A Time Variation of Proton-Electron Mass Ratio and Grand Unification

Abstract

Astrophysical observations indicate a time variation of the proton-electron mass ratio and of the fine-structure constant. We discuss this phenomenon in models of Grand Unification. In these models a time variation of the fine-structure constant and of the proton mass are expected, if either the unified coupling constant or the scale of unification changes, or both change. We discuss in particular the change of the proton mass. Experiments in Quantum Optics could be done to check these ideas.