Is MSSM Higgs the Key to Understanding the Universe?

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter humanino
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Higgs Hot Topic
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the implications of a 2.1 sigma excess reported in the MSSM Higgs mass around 160 GeV, which contrasts with predictions of a heavier Higgs near 175 GeV from split supersymmetry models. Participants express skepticism about split supersymmetry, labeling it ineffective in addressing the hierarchy and naturalness problems. The conversation highlights the inconsistency in experimental results, with D_0 reporting a deficit while others report a bump, indicating a lack of consensus in the findings. Overall, the community remains cautious, emphasizing that such bumps are common and often inconsequential.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of MSSM (Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model) Higgs theory
  • Familiarity with concepts of sigma levels in particle physics
  • Knowledge of split supersymmetry and its implications
  • Basic grasp of experimental particle physics methodologies
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the implications of 2-sigma excess in particle physics experiments
  • Study the hierarchy problem and naturalness in theoretical physics
  • Explore the differences between minimal and split supersymmetry models
  • Examine recent experimental results from D_0 and other collaborations
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, researchers in particle physics, and students studying supersymmetry and Higgs boson theories will benefit from this discussion.

Physics news on Phys.org
160 GeV ? Mmm. Sounds not so super-symmetric :biggrin:
 
See comments at Lubos Motl's blog for more on this story.
I'm far from an expert, but here's my take:
Bumps like this two sigma thing come and go all the time and mean nothing.
Most of the experts seem to expect a light Higgs,
but a heavy Higgs, eg near 175 Gev,
is predicted by split supersymmetry,
if I understand the experts correctly.
 
Split supersymmetry is junk and everyone knows it. It basically abandons any hope of solving the hierarchy problem or naturallness problems and goes with other aesthetic criteria. It explains nothing, and you can move the Higgs mass around a lot.

If they see a Higgs at 175 GeV, and nothing else, the favored models would still likely be a little less minimal SuSy offspring or something a little more contrived (add more degrees of freedom, crank crank crank). One of the nasty consequences is the little hierarchy problem tends to become much more severe and everyone will scramble for a solution to that.
 
I think that if theory doesn't tell you where your bump is supposed to be, you should look be able to find it pretty much wherever and whenever you want to. If an experimentalists' charts don't have bumps then they don't have the gain turned up enough.

By the way, did you notice the url chosen? "21-sigma" would be a bit more than a bump.

[edit]It appears that D_0 is reporting a deficit where the other guys are reporting a bump.[/edit]
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
6K
  • · Replies 46 ·
2
Replies
46
Views
5K
  • · Replies 62 ·
3
Replies
62
Views
11K
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
7K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
14K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
22
Views
3K