Bounds on fifth forces from precision measurements on molecules

TL;DR

This paper uses high-precision molecular frequency measurements to set constraints on hypothetical fifth-force interactions, particularly long-range hadron-hadron forces, by interpreting experimental data through advanced quantum electrodynamics calculations.

Contribution

It introduces a novel approach to constrain fifth forces using molecular systems, extending beyond atomic probes to include molecules and molecular ions with precise theoretical calculations.

Findings

Constraint on hadron-hadron fifth-force strength: β < 1×10^{-7} eV·Å

Sensitivity to force ranges around 1 Å, typical of chemical bonds

Demonstrates molecules as effective probes for long-range fundamental interactions

Abstract

Highly accurate results from frequency measurements on neutral hydrogen molecules H_2, HD and D_2 as well as the HD^+ ion can be interpreted in terms of constraints on possible fifth-force interactions. Where the hydrogen atom is a probe for yet unknown lepton-hadron interactions, and the helium atom is sensitive for lepton-lepton interactions, molecules open the domain to search for additional long-range hadron-hadron forces. First principles calculations in the framework of quantum electrodynamics have now advanced to the level that hydrogen molecules and hydrogen molecular ions have become calculable systems, making them a search-ground for fifth forces. Following a phenomenological treatment of unknown hadron-hadron interactions written in terms of a Yukawa potential of the form V_5(r)=\beta exp(-r/\lambda)/r current precision measurements on hydrogenic molecules yield a constraint \beta < 1 \times 10^{-7} eV\AA for long-range hadron-hadron interactions at typical force ranges commensurate with separations of a chemical bond, i.e. \lambda ~1 \AA and beyond.