Predicting the universe matter to light ratio

The new paper explores the alpha LGQV framework, a theoretical model that predicts the baryon-to-photon ratio eta of the universe using nuclear physics rather than free cosmological parameters. This model calculates eta as the fourth power of a coupling constant alpha derived from measured nucleon sigma terms and the cosmic baryon fraction. Recent empirical data from the 2025 P-ACT joint analysis shows a remarkable 0.21% agreement between this predicted value and observational measurements of the Cosmic Microwave Background. The research further addresses a slight tension between Big Bang Nucleosynthesis and CMB data, suggesting this discrepancy may actually support predicted modifications to gravitational coupling. Ultimately, the framework remains falsifiable through upcoming improvements in lattice QCD calculations and precision cosmology.