Higgs Boson and Supersymmetry?

In summary, the Higgs boson needs to have a mass less than 130 GeV to support the theory of supersymmetry. This is based on the prediction of the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model, which suggests that the lightest Higgs should have a mass close to 125 GeV. However, it should be noted that a light Higgs does not necessarily prove the existence of supersymmetry, but rather suggests it due to its ability to stabilize the vacuum.
  • #1
Johnleprekan
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Can someone explain to me in layman's terms why the Higgs Boson needs to be less than 130 GeV to prove Supersymmetry exists?
 
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  • #2
Johnleprekan said:
Can someone explain to me in layman's terms why the Higgs Boson needs to be less than 130 GeV to prove Supersymmetry exists?

It is not true that a Higgs boson with mass less than 130 GeV proves the existence of supersymmetry.

What is true is that the simplest supersymmetric extension of the Standard Model, known as the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model, or MSSM, predicts that the lightest Higgs has a mass that is not too much above 125 GeV or so. The argument is outlined at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MSSM_Higgs_Mass.

Even though the Higgs boson seems to be just within the range allowed by the MSSM does not mean that supersymmetry is correct. To address that we need additional data on the nature of the Higgs, but, more importantly, on the superpartner particles predicted by supersymmetry.
 
  • #3
Why does it predict it to be this low though?

Why does it need to be sufficiently heavy? To do what?
 
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  • #4
It's the other way around - not that supersymmetry requires a light Higgs, rather a light Higgs suggests supersymmetry.

The Higgs potential V(φ) is typically written as a quartic polynomial, which is sufficient to describe the vacuum expectation value of the Higgs field and the Higgs mass. However when radiative corrections are included, the parameters become energy dependent. At very high energy, the curve may turn over and even become negative. If the vacuum we presently live in is not the lowest energy state, it would be metastable and subject to catastrophic change.

This situation becomes more likely for light Higgs masses, and 125 GeV is dangerously light. But supersymmetry tends to reduce the effect and stabilize the vacuum. So a light Higgs suggests supersymmetry.
 
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1. What is the Higgs Boson particle?

The Higgs Boson particle, also known as the "God particle", is a subatomic particle that is responsible for giving other particles their mass. It was first theorized in the 1960s and was finally discovered in 2012 by researchers at the Large Hadron Collider.

2. What is Supersymmetry and how does it relate to the Higgs Boson?

Supersymmetry is a theoretical concept in particle physics that suggests every known particle has a "superpartner" with similar properties but different spin. This theory helps to explain the hierarchy problem, or why the mass of the Higgs Boson is so much smaller than expected. It also predicts the existence of new particles, which could potentially be observed at high-energy colliders like the Large Hadron Collider.

3. Why is the discovery of the Higgs Boson and Supersymmetry important?

The discovery of the Higgs Boson and Supersymmetry would provide further evidence for the Standard Model of particle physics and help to fill in gaps in our understanding of the universe. It could also lead to new technologies and advancements in fields such as medicine and energy.

4. How are scientists studying the Higgs Boson and Supersymmetry?

Scientists are using high-energy colliders, such as the Large Hadron Collider, to smash particles together at high speeds and observe the resulting particles. They are also analyzing data from previous experiments and developing new theories and models to better understand the Higgs Boson and Supersymmetry.

5. What are the potential implications of not finding the Higgs Boson and Supersymmetry?

If the Higgs Boson and Supersymmetry are not found, it could mean that our current understanding of particle physics is incomplete and that there are other fundamental particles and forces that we have yet to discover. It could also require scientists to revise or develop new theories to explain the behavior of particles and the origins of mass in the universe.

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