Observational Determinations of the Proton to Electron Mass Ratio in the Early Universe

The values of the fundamental physical constants determine the nature of our universe from the height of mountains on earth to the evolution of the universe over its history. One of these constants is μ = MP /Me the ratio of the proton to electron mass. Astronomical observations provide a determination of this ratio in the early universe through observations of molecular absorption and emission lines in distant objects. Observations of molecular hydrogen in distant damped Lyman Alpha clouds provide a measurement of μ at a time when the universe was only 20% of its present age. To date there is no evidence for a change in μ at the level of 1 part in 105 . This limit produces an observational constraint on quintessence theories for the evolution of the universe and Super Symmetric theories of elementary particles.