Variations of constants as a test of gravity, cosmology and unified models

Abstract

Gravitation as a fundamental interaction that governs all phenomena at large and very small scales, but still not well understood at a quantum level, is a cardinal missing link in unification of all physical interactions. Discovery of the present acceleration of the Universe, the dark matter and dark energy problems are also a great challenge to modern physics, which may lead to a new revolution in it. Integrable multidimensional models of gravitation and cosmology make up one of the proper approaches to studying basic issues and strong field objects, the early and present Universe and black hole (BH) physics in particular. Our main results within this approach are described for both cosmology and BH physics. Problems of the absolute G measurements and its possible time and range variations are reflections of the unification problem. The choice, nature, classification and precision of determination of the fundamental physical constants as well as their role in a transition, expected in 2011, to new definitions of the main SI units, supposed to be based on fundamental physical constants and stable quantum phenomena, are described. The problem of temporal variations of constants is also discussed, temporal and spatial variations of G in particular. A need for further absolute measurements of G, its possible range and time variations is pointed out. The multipurpose space project SEE is briefly described, aimed at measuring G and its stability in space and time, with precision 3-4 orders better than at present. It may answer many important questions posed by gravitation, cosmology and unified theories. A project of a laboratory experiment for testing possible deviations from the Newton law is also presented.