Metrological constraints on the variability of the fundamental constants e, ℏ, and c

Abstract

We set up a framework for a model-independent analysis of the time variation of e,h, and c individually. It is shown that the time-evolution of each constant can be determined uniquely from the time evolution of the fine structure constant α provided that the choice of basic timeindependent units (i.e., the clock and ruler) is fixed. Realistic systems of units are considered as examples and implications for metrology are discussed. 95.30.sf,