How can you visualize the Higgs field, or can you?

In summary, the conversation discusses the discovery of the Higgs Boson and its relationship to relativity and the Higgs field. It also delves into the concept of fields in the standard model of particle physics and how they differ from classical fields. The Higgs field is unique in that it contributes to the energy density of the universe even when no particles are present. The nature of the Higgs field and its visualization are still areas of ongoing research and discussion.
  • #1
scientepid
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Just when I thought I had finally wrapped my brain around relativity, Quantum theory took off. Then the Higgs Boson was discovered. How does the Higgs field under-pin relativity, namely space-time?

How is the Higgs field distributed? Does it have curvature like space time, or is omnipresent?

Sorry for the simple questions, but I am still stuck on thinking about a bowling ball on a trampoline.
The best analogy I have found is that the Higgs field is like a bowl of honey, and particles pass through it. Some particles are more affected by the honey, and others are less affected, giving rise to the mass of the particles. This still leaves a lot of questions.
 
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  • #2
How do you visualize an electronfield, or quarkfield, or photonfield, or whatever other field one has in the standard model?
 
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  • #3
According to Quantum Field Theory (QFT), ALL particles have an associated field (as the haushofer pointed out)

What is so special about the Higgs Field is that it contributes to the energy density of the universe in the absence of particles. This is what is called the "vacuum energy". Even though the universe is empty on particles, it has energy from the Higgs field
 
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  • #4
haushofer said:
How do you visualize an electronfield, or quarkfield, or photonfield, or whatever other field one has in the standard model?
Well, I know how to visualize a magnetic field, and I thought I knew how to visualize space time as a field, or mesh, or scalar shape, but when it comes to the higgs, is the field uniform and omnipresent, or does it have curvature and fluctuations; i.e. gravity waves?
 
  • #5
but a magnetic field is not something you have in the standard model of particle physics. One can not compare classical fields with quantum fields.

what you are asking about is the Higgs-vacuum energy, not the Higgs field itself.
 

1. What is the Higgs field?

The Higgs field is a theoretical, invisible field that is thought to exist throughout the universe. It is believed to give particles their mass and is a crucial component of the Standard Model of particle physics.

2. How can the Higgs field be visualized?

Since the Higgs field is invisible, it cannot be directly visualized. However, scientists use mathematical models and simulations to study and understand its properties and effects on particles.

3. Can we detect the Higgs field?

While we cannot directly detect the Higgs field, its presence can be indirectly measured through the detection of the Higgs boson particle. This was achieved in 2012 by the Large Hadron Collider at CERN.

4. Why is visualizing the Higgs field important?

Understanding the Higgs field and its role in giving particles mass is crucial to our understanding of the fundamental workings of the universe. It also helps us develop and test new theories and models in particle physics.

5. Are there any current efforts to visualize the Higgs field?

Scientists continue to work on developing better mathematical models and simulations to visualize the Higgs field and its interactions with particles. However, due to its complex and invisible nature, it remains a challenging task.

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