Updated fundamental constant constraints from Planck 2018 data and possible relations to the Hubble tension

Abstract

ABSTRACT We present updated constraints on the variation of the fine structure constant, αEM, and effective electron rest mass, me, during the cosmological recombination era. These two fundamental constants directly affect the ionization history at redshift z ≃ 1100 and, thus, modify the temperature and polarization anisotropies of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) measured precisely with Planck . The constraints on αEM tighten slightly due to improved Planck 2018 polarization data but otherwise remain similar to previous CMB analysis. However, a comparison with the 2015 constraints reveals a mildly discordant behaviour for me, which from CMB data alone is found below its local value. Adding baryon acoustic oscillation data brings me back to the fiducial value, $m_{\rm e}=(1.0078\pm 0.0067)\, m_{\rm e,0}$, and also drives the Hubble parameter to H0 = 69.1 ± 1.2(in units of ${\rm km \, s^{-1} \, Mpc^{-1} }$). Further adding supernova data yields $m_{\rm e}=(1.0190\pm 0.0055)\, m_{\rm e,0}$ with H0 = 71.24 ± 0.96. We perform several comparative analyses using the latest cosmological recombination calculations to further understand the various effects. Our results indicate that a single-parameter extension allowing a slightly increased value of me (≃3.5σ above me, 0) could play a role in the Hubble tension.