Higgs particle and non-zero expected value in vacuum

In summary, the phrase "Due to Lorentz invariance, only the Higgs particle can have a non-zero expected value in a vacuum" means that the vacuum expectation value is a property of the Higgs field, not the Higgs boson. This is due to the fact that scalar fields are the only ones that can maintain Poincare symmetry and have non-zero VEVs. Other types of fields, such as vector or tensor fields, would break this symmetry.
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What does the phrase “Due to Lorentz invariance, only the Higgs particle can have a non-zero expected value in a vacuum” mean?
What does the phrase “Due to Lorentz invariance, only the Higgs particle can have a non-zero expected value in a vacuum” mean?
 
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The vacuum expectation value is a property of the Higgs field, not the Higgs boson. There are no Higgs bosons in the vacuum.

A vacuum expectation value for a non-scalar field would imply some preferred direction and reference frame: It would change if you go to a different reference frame, i.e. break Lorentz invariance.
 
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It is a weirdly put phrase, written by someone who probably already knew of the existence of the Higgs field (?)
I've seen tensor fields having non-vanishing vevs (but of course we don't have any in the SM). This however makes me say that, in principle, there is nothing extremely special about scalars. One special thing they have is that they have nice and easy Lorentz Transformations and that we know of the Higgs boson.
I know that vector fields have problems as they indeed give a preferred direction to the vacuum if you give them non-vanishing vev.
 
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ChrisVer said:
It is a weirdly put phrase, written by someone who probably already knew of the existence of the Higgs field (?)
I've seen tensor fields having non-vanishing vevs (but of course we don't have any in the SM). This however makes me say that, in principle, there is nothing extremely special about scalars.
No, the statement is correct and can be proven mathematically. To keep the Poincare symmetry intact, only scalar fields can develop non-zero VEVs.
 
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FAQ: Higgs particle and non-zero expected value in vacuum

1. What is the Higgs particle and why is it important?

The Higgs particle, also known as the Higgs boson, is a subatomic particle that is theorized to give mass to all other particles in the universe. Its discovery in 2012 confirmed the existence of the Higgs field, which is responsible for this mass-giving property. The Higgs particle is important because it helps explain the fundamental forces and structure of the universe.

2. How was the Higgs particle discovered?

The Higgs particle was discovered through experiments conducted at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) in Geneva, Switzerland. These experiments involved colliding protons at high speeds and analyzing the resulting particles. The Higgs particle was detected through its decay products, which were consistent with the predicted properties of the Higgs boson.

3. What is the non-zero expected value in vacuum?

The non-zero expected value in vacuum, also known as the vacuum expectation value, refers to the value of the Higgs field at its lowest energy state (or vacuum state). This value is non-zero, meaning that the Higgs field is present even in empty space. This is what gives particles their mass and is a crucial component of the Standard Model of particle physics.

4. How does the Higgs particle interact with other particles?

The Higgs particle interacts with other particles through the Higgs field. This field permeates the entire universe and particles gain mass by interacting with it. The strength of this interaction is proportional to the mass of the particle, which is why some particles, like the top quark, have a much stronger interaction with the Higgs field than others.

5. What are the implications of the Higgs particle and non-zero expected value in vacuum?

The discovery of the Higgs particle and the non-zero expected value in vacuum have significant implications for our understanding of the universe. It helps explain why particles have mass, and it also provides evidence for the existence of the Higgs field. Additionally, it supports the Standard Model of particle physics and opens up new avenues for research and discovery in the field of particle physics.

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