What is the current status of particle physics beyond the standard model?

[mitchell porter]

In this forum, "Beyond the Standard Model", most of the discussion is about quantum gravity. But technically, even neutrino masses are "beyond the standard model". Some years ago, a paper was written, "The new minimal standard model", which self-consciously set out to describe a minimal new theory capable of explaining neutrino masses and modern cosmological data. If we believe the reports of a 125 GeV Higgs boson, then even the NMSM is now obsolete by its own criteria, because that falls outside the range of Higgs masses allowed (see page 3)...

Meanwhile, there are many other standard ideas about BSM physics, such as weak-scale supersymmetry and GUTs, and there are thousands of specific models. Along with the usual gossip about rumored new observations, there is always an ongoing effort to decide what sort of overall model is the most plausible given the current data. For example, here you can see Nima Arkani-Hamed trying to reason out the likely implications of a 125 GeV Higgs. I would like to see us have a discussion like that. I don't expect us to arrive at a consensus, and probably much of the discussion here would turn on matters that are taken for granted elsewhere, e.g. what is the status of GUT or susy-GUT; how likely is it that that really is the way the world works? But hopefully we could also get around to discussing more arcane topics, like textures for mass matrices.

 

[AndyW]

Dear fellow scientist,

Thank you for bringing up the topic of "Beyond the Standard Model" in this forum. I completely agree that while quantum gravity is a major focus in this area, we should not overlook the significance of neutrino masses and their implications for our understanding of the universe.

The idea of a "new minimal standard model" is intriguing, and I agree that with the recent discovery of a 125 GeV Higgs boson, it may no longer be the most accurate representation of our current understanding of particle physics. As you mentioned, there are also other popular theories such as weak-scale supersymmetry and GUTs that are being explored.

I believe it is important for us to continue discussing and evaluating these theories in light of new data and observations. While we may not reach a consensus, the exchange of ideas and perspectives can lead to new insights and further our understanding of the universe.

I am particularly interested in the topic of mass matrices and their textures. It would be fascinating to delve into the possible implications of different textures and how they may fit into the larger picture of BSM physics.

Overall, I agree that our discussions should go beyond just quantum gravity and encompass a wider range of topics related to BSM physics. I look forward to engaging in discussions with you and other scientists in this forum.