Constraining $f(R)$ Theories with Temporal Variation of Fine Structure Constant

It is well-known that $f(R)$ theories in Einstein frame is conformally equivalent to quintessence models in which the scalar field minimally couples with gravity. If there exists a matter system in Jordan frame, then it interacts with the scalar field in Einstein frame due to the conformal transformations. This interaction, in general, may lead to changes of fundamental constants. Here we will consider possible time variation of fine structure constant in a general $f(R)$ theory. We will use observational bounds on these variations and argue that it provides a criterion for constraining $f(R)$ models.
Comment: 10 pages, 6 figures. To appear in Physics Letters B.