Are Supersymmetric Inflation Models Still Viable After LHC's Latest Results?

Thread starter Iheartscience
Start date Aug 29, 2012
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Inflation Lhc Models

In summary, the LHC is a powerful particle accelerator used to study the fundamental building blocks of matter and test inflation models that explain the rapid expansion of the universe. These models propose that the universe underwent a period of rapid expansion driven by a field called the inflaton. However, they face challenges such as compatibility with LHC data and the issue of fine-tuning. The discovery of the Higgs boson has implications for inflation models, but also raises questions about their stability. Alternative theories, such as MOND and the cyclic universe, also exist but have their own limitations and are still being studied.

Aug 29, 2012

Iheartscience

Does anybody know what is the status of supersymmetric inflation model after latest results of LHC concerning SUSY? Have some models been excluded? or do you know some review papers talk about that issue?

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Aug 30, 2012

bapowell

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Which LHC results concerning SUSY are you referring to?

Aug 30, 2012

Iheartscience

The results which concern CMSSM and mSUGRA.

1. What is the LHC and how does it relate to inflation models?

The LHC (Large Hadron Collider) is the world's largest and most powerful particle accelerator. It is used to recreate conditions similar to those in the early universe and study the fundamental building blocks of matter. Inflation models are theories that explain the rapid expansion of the universe in its early stages, and the LHC can help test and refine these models by providing data on the behavior of particles and forces during this period.

2. How do inflation models explain the expansion of the universe?

Inflation models propose that the universe underwent a period of rapid expansion, known as inflation, in the first fractions of a second after the Big Bang. This expansion was driven by a field called the inflaton, which has a repulsive gravitational effect and causes space to stretch exponentially. This explains why the universe appears to be flat, homogeneous, and isotropic on a large scale, as well as why there are slight temperature variations in the cosmic microwave background radiation.

3. What are the main challenges and limitations of inflation models after LHC data?

One of the main challenges of inflation models is that they must be compatible with the latest data and observations from the LHC. This requires a high level of precision and agreement between theoretical predictions and experimental results. Additionally, inflation models face the issue of fine-tuning, as the parameters and initial conditions required for inflation to occur are highly specific. This raises questions about the naturalness and simplicity of these models.

4. How does the discovery of the Higgs boson impact inflation models?

The discovery of the Higgs boson, a fundamental particle that gives mass to other particles, has significant implications for inflation models. It provides evidence for the existence of the Higgs field, which is a key component in many inflation models. However, it also raises questions about the stability and predictability of these models, as the measured mass of the Higgs boson is higher than what is predicted by some inflation models.

5. Are there any alternative theories to inflation models after LHC data?

Yes, there are alternative theories that aim to explain the expansion of the universe without relying on inflation. Some propose modifications to the laws of gravity, such as the theory of MOND (Modified Newtonian Dynamics), while others suggest a cyclic universe where the Big Bang is just one of many cycles of expansion and contraction. However, these alternative theories also face challenges and limitations in explaining the observed data and are still being studied and debated by scientists.