# Smilga paper, in which he derives an estimate to the fine structure constant

1. Aug 2, 2007

### Tron3k

I've been trying to figure out this paper by W. Smilga: Spin foams, causal links, and geometry-induced interactions

I don't have the knowledge and background to be able to determine whether his derivation of an estimate to the fine structure constant is interesting, or just a trick.

I am referring to XIV: Estimate of the Coupling Constant. Through some mathematics I don't understand yet, he gets a value for the fine structure constant of 1/137.03608245, which agrees to the real value "in five parts in ten-million".

What is the consensus of the physics community on this? Is it just numerology?

2. Aug 2, 2007

### olgranpappy

no way. no f-ing way. When Eddington went crazy he started trying to do that too.

3. Aug 22, 2007

### arivero

What is amusing is that the calculation is presented as a vindication of Tony's models.

4. Aug 22, 2007

### arivero

To save some time:

Smilga says that it rederivates Wyler formula, which is claimed to be a quotient of volumes
$$8 \pi^2 {V(D_5)^{1/4} \over V(S_4) V(C_5)}$$
to be compared with $\alpha / \pi$

The objects $C_5,D_5,S_4$ being some symmetric spaces. These volumes are claimed to evaluate, respectively, to $${8 \pi^3 \over 3}, {\pi^5 \over 2^4 5!}, {8 \pi^2 \over 3}$$

Last edited: Aug 22, 2007