Decay of Lightest Supersymmetric electrically charged particle

In summary, if R-parity and supersymmetry are assumed, the lightest supersymmetric electrically charged particle is expected to be stable. The lifetime of this particle can be determined through dimensional analysis, but it is likely to decay via the weak force. The absence of long-lived electrically charged particles in high energy proton scattering experiments may provide constraints on supersymmetry. It may be possible to probe supersymmetry without reaching the supersymmetric energy scale.
  • #1
JustinLevy
895
1
If we assume R-parity like in MSSM, shouldn't the lightest supersymmetric electrically charged particle be fairly stable? My question is two fold:

1] if we assume R-parity and supersymmetry (at least at high energies) is there a fairly model independent (ie. no details of how it "broke") way to get the lifetime of this particle? It seems like it would have to happen via the weak force, so maybe dimensional analysis used appropriately can give an order of magnitude somehow?

2] Shouldn't the reverse process already have been seen? Can we place decent constraints by noticing that no long lived electrically charged particles come out of "weak force" scattering of high energy protons off of dark matter that is everywhere?

Basically, we wouldn't need to have enough energy to create the particles outright, but have the energy equal to the gap between the dark matter particle and the first charged state. It seems like we should be able to probe supersymmetry before even getting to the supersymmetric scale.
 
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  • #2
If the particles obey R parity, then a Lightest Supersymmetric Particle will not decay.

The only way it can disappear is to run into another supersymmetric particle.

But this LSP is usually expected to be neutral, meaning that the lighest charged one will be more massive than it. That charged one will thus decay into an odd number of supersymmetric particles and likely also some ordinary particles.
 

1. What is the "Decay of Lightest Supersymmetric electrically charged particle"?

The "Decay of Lightest Supersymmetric electrically charged particle" refers to the process where the lightest electrically charged supersymmetric particle (LSP) decays into other particles. Supersymmetry is a theoretical framework in physics that proposes a symmetry between fermions (particles with half-integer spin) and bosons (particles with integer spin). The LSP is the lightest supersymmetric particle in a given model and is often considered a candidate for dark matter.

2. Why is the "Decay of Lightest Supersymmetric electrically charged particle" important?

The "Decay of Lightest Supersymmetric electrically charged particle" is important because it provides insights into the fundamental structure of the universe. Supersymmetry is a key concept in many theories beyond the Standard Model of particle physics, and the LSP is a crucial candidate for dark matter. Studying its decay can help us understand the properties of the LSP and potentially provide evidence for supersymmetry.

3. How is the "Decay of Lightest Supersymmetric electrically charged particle" studied?

The "Decay of Lightest Supersymmetric electrically charged particle" is studied through high-energy particle collisions in large accelerators such as the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). By analyzing the particles produced in these collisions, scientists can look for signatures of the LSP decay and measure its properties. This requires advanced detectors and complex data analysis techniques.

4. What are the potential consequences of the "Decay of Lightest Supersymmetric electrically charged particle"?

The "Decay of Lightest Supersymmetric electrically charged particle" could have significant consequences for our understanding of the universe. If the LSP is observed to decay in a certain way, it could provide evidence for specific supersymmetric models and help narrow down the search for dark matter. On the other hand, if the LSP is found to be stable and does not decay, it would contradict some versions of supersymmetry and force scientists to rethink their theories.

5. Has the "Decay of Lightest Supersymmetric electrically charged particle" been observed?

As of yet, the "Decay of Lightest Supersymmetric electrically charged particle" has not been observed. While some experiments have found potential hints of supersymmetry, no conclusive evidence for the LSP decay has been found. However, scientists continue to study the LSP and search for its decays in hopes of shedding light on the mysteries of our universe.

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