The Speed of Light and the Fine Structure Constant

Abstract

The fine structure constant $\alpha $ includes the speed of light as given by $\alpha =\frac{e^{2}}{4\pi \epsilon_{0}c\hbar}$. It is shown here that, following a $TH\epsilon \mu $ formalism, interpreting the permittivity $\epsilon_{0}$ and permeabiliy $\mu_{0}$ of free space under Lorentz local and position invariance, this is not the case. The result is a new expression as $\alpha =\frac{e^{2}}{4\pi \hbar}$ in a new system of units for the charge that preserves local and position invariance. Hence, the speed of light does not explicitly enter in the constitution of the fine structure constant. The new expressions for the Maxwell's equations are derived and some cosmological implications discussed.