Constraints on the value of the fine structure constant from gravitational thermodynamics

TL;DR

This paper explores how the second law of thermodynamics, extended to include event horizon area, constrains the possible values of the fine structure constant, revealing conflicts with certain magnetic monopoles and minicharged particles.

Contribution

It introduces a thermodynamic framework that constrains fundamental constants and particle properties, highlighting inconsistencies with specific monopole models.

Findings

Classical Dirac monopoles could violate the second law.

GUT monopoles are incompatible with minicharged particles.

Thermodynamics constrains the fine structure constant.

Abstract

In this paper I show how the second law of thermodynamics, generalized to include event horizon area, places interesting constraints on the value of the fine structure constant. A simple analysis leads to the conclusion that classical Dirac and point-like magnetic monopoles could be used to violate the second law, and that GUT monopoles are inconsistent with minicharged particles.