Top channel and electroweak breaking

In summary, the conversation discusses the potential relationship between dark matter and electroweak symmetry-breaking. The paper suggests that if dark matter is connected to this process, it is likely that the WIMP (Weakly Interacting Massive Particle) would have strong couplings with the most massive states in the Standard Model. The discussion then delves into the mechanisms of WIMP annihilations and how the mass of fermions in the loop can affect the process. This proportionality is important in understanding the dynamics of electroweak symmetry-breaking. The conversation also touches on the possibility of "light dark matter" or even weaker interactions, as recent studies have shown that the WIMP model may not accurately describe dark matter.
  • #1
electroweak
44
1
A paper I am reading says
If dark matter arises as part of the dynamics of electroweak symmetry-breaking, it is natural to expect the WIMP to have couplings which favor the most massive states of the Standard Model.
My question is, "What does this mean?" The paper deals with WIMP annihilations into a photon and a Higgs which I suspect occurs via a fermion loop. I seem to recall that such triangle diagrams yield amplitudes proportional to the mass of the fermion in the loop (which is why, for some Standard Model processes, the top quark channel, if it is open, is the most significant). How does this proportionality arise? And what does it have to do with the "dynamics of electroweak symmetry-breaking"?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
"WIMP" means specifically, mass in the 100's of GeV and interactions of the same order as the electroweak interaction. This would be the case if it was "part of the dynamics of electroweak symmetry-breaking". Recent failure to detect such particles has increased the possibility that the dark matter particles may not be WIMPs after all. They may be lighter ("light dark matter"), or interact even more weakly.
 

Related to Top channel and electroweak breaking

What is the Top channel in electroweak breaking?

The Top channel is a process in which the top quark, the heaviest known elementary particle, is produced and decays in a way that allows for the study of the electroweak breaking mechanism.

What is electroweak breaking?

Electroweak breaking is a phenomenon in particle physics where the electroweak symmetry is broken, leading to the acquisition of mass by the W and Z bosons. This is a crucial process in the Standard Model of particle physics that explains the origin of mass in the universe.

What is the role of the top quark in electroweak breaking?

The top quark is the heaviest known elementary particle and its interactions with the Higgs field play a crucial role in the electroweak breaking mechanism. Its large mass makes it a key player in understanding the origin of mass in the universe.

How is the Top channel studied in electroweak breaking?

The Top channel is studied at high-energy particle colliders such as the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN. By analyzing the particles produced in the collisions, scientists can study the decay of the top quark and gather data to further understand the electroweak breaking mechanism.

What are the potential implications of studying the Top channel and electroweak breaking?

Studying the Top channel and electroweak breaking can help scientists to better understand the fundamental forces and building blocks of the universe. This knowledge can also have potential applications in fields such as medicine and technology. Additionally, it can lead to new discoveries and advancements in our understanding of the universe.

Similar threads

Replies
2
Views
1K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
11
Views
1K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
1
Views
949
  • Beyond the Standard Models
Replies
1
Views
234
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Beyond the Standard Models
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
8
Views
5K
  • High Energy, Nuclear, Particle Physics
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • Beyond the Standard Models
Replies
16
Views
4K
Back
Top