Undergrad Metastability of the Higgs field

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the metastability of the Higgs field, suggesting that while it appears stable, it may undergo quantum tunneling to a lower energy state, resulting in vacuum decay. This phenomenon could potentially lead to the destruction of the universe. Participants emphasize the challenge of predicting the occurrence of this event, noting that current understanding is based on an incomplete Standard Model of particle physics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantum tunneling in physics
  • Familiarity with the Standard Model of particle physics
  • Knowledge of vacuum decay concepts
  • Basic principles of Higgs field theory
NEXT STEPS
  • Research quantum tunneling and its implications in particle physics
  • Study the Standard Model and its limitations
  • Explore the concept of vacuum decay and its potential consequences
  • Investigate current theories on Higgs field stability
USEFUL FOR

Physicists, cosmologists, and students of theoretical physics interested in advanced concepts related to the Higgs field and its implications for the universe's stability.

ryan liberty
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One current theory surrounding the higgs field is that it might be metastable, as in it acts stable but could (through quantum tunneling) drop it's energy level to become truly stable. This drop in energy would release all of the potential energy contained in the field. This is of course vacuum decay, which would destroy the universe as we know it. How do we predict this? We probably can't, however help would be appreciated.
 
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ryan liberty said:
How do we predict this?
What do you mean with this? Do you mean when it will happen or do you mean how we predict than it can occur. The answers are widely different.
 
Orodruin said:
What do you mean with this? Do you mean when it will happen or do you mean how we predict than it can occur. The answers are widely different.
I mean how do we know that it CAN happen, I haven't found data on it.
 
ryan liberty said:
I mean how do we know that it CAN happen, I haven't found data on it.
This is not knowable. It is an extrapolation of the current Standard Model - which is also known to be incomplete.
 

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