42 research outputs found
Constraints on the Variations of the Fundamental Couplings
We reconsider several current bounds on the variation of the fine-structure
constant in models where all gauge and Yukawa couplings vary in an
interdependent manner, as would be expected in unified theories. In particular,
we re-examine the bounds established by the Oklo reactor from the resonant
neutron capture cross-section of 149Sm. By imposing variations in \Lambda_{QCD}
and the quark masses, as dictated by unified theories, the corresponding bound
on the variation of the fine-structure constant can be improved by about 2
orders of magnitude in such theories. In addition, we consider possible bounds
on variations due to their effect on long lived \alpha- and \beta-decay
isotopes, particularly 147Sm and 187Re. We obtain a strong constraint on \Delta
\alpha / \alpha, comparable to that of Oklo but extending to a higher redshift
corresponding to the age of the solar system, from the radioactive life-time of
187Re derived from meteoritic studies. We also analyze the astrophysical
consequences of perturbing the decay Q values on bound state \beta-decays
operating in the s-process.Comment: 25 pages, latex, 5 eps figure
Dust in Supernovae and Supernova Remnants II: Processing and survival
Observations have recently shown that supernovae are efficient dust factories, as predicted for a long time by theoretical models. The rapid evolution of their stellar progenitors combined with their efficiency in precipitating refractory elements from the gas phase into dust grains make supernovae the major potential suppliers of dust in the early Universe, where more conventional sources like Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) stars did not have time to evolve. However, dust yields inferred from observations of young supernovae or derived from models do not reflect the net amount of supernova-condensed dust able to be expelled from the remnants and reach the interstellar medium. The cavity where the dust is formed and initially resides is crossed by the high velocity reverse shock which is generated by the pressure of the circumstellar material shocked by the expanding supernova blast wave. Depending on grain composition and initial size, processing by the reverse shock may lead to substantial dust erosion and even complete destruction. The goal of this review is to present the state of the art about processing and survival of dust inside supernova remnants, in terms of theoretical modelling and comparison to observations