Radio measurements of constant variation, and perspectives with ALMA

Abstract

The present constraints on fundamental constant variation (αand μ) obtained in the radio range are reviewed, coming essentially from absorption lines in front of quasars of intermediate to high-z galaxies, through CO, HI, OH, HCO+, HCN .. lines up to NH3 and CII. With ALMA, the sensitivity to detect radio continuum sources in narrow bands will increase by an order of magnitude, and the expected progress is quantified. The relative advantage of the radio domain with respect to the optical one is emphasized.

7 pages, 1 figure, in "Are the fundamental constants varying with spacetime", JD9, IAU-2009, to be published in Mem SAIt