We discuss the fundamental constants of physics in the Standard Model and possible changes of these constants on the cosmological time scale. Grand Unification of the strong, electromagnetic, and weak interactions implies relations between the time variation of the fine structure constant α and of the QCD scale Λ_c. A change in a of 10^-15/year, as seen by an astrophysical experiment, implies a time variation in Λ_c of at least 10^-15/year. An experiment in quantum optics at the MPQ in Münich, which was designed to seek a time variation in Λ_c, is discussed.

PACS: 06.20.Jr. 12.10.Kt, 32.20.-r DOI: 10.3367/UFNe.0179.200904d.0383 URL: https://ufn.ru/en/articles/2009/4/d/ 000268782400004 2-s2.0-68249143109 2009PhyU...52..359F Citation: Fritzsch H "The fundamental constants in physics" Phys. Usp. 52 359–367 (2009) BibTexBibNote ® (generic)BibNote ® (RIS)MedlineRefWorks Оригинал: Фритцш Х «Фундаментальные физические постоянные» УФН 179 383–392 (2009); DOI: 10.3367/UFNr.0179.200904d.0383