The Irony of the Higgs Mechanism: Giving Mass to the Massless?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the Higgs mechanism, which utilizes the Higgs field to impart mass to fermions and bosons through a Higgs vacuum expectation value (vev). The irony noted is that the Higgs particle itself possesses mass, raising questions about the relationship between the Higgs field and the Higgs particle. The participant acknowledges a need for deeper understanding, particularly regarding the implications of a Higgs vev of zero, which would also nullify the Higgs mass. Additionally, the discussion references an arXiv paper that explores first-order calculations related to the Higgs mechanism.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Higgs mechanism and its role in particle physics
  • Familiarity with the concepts of Higgs field and Higgs particle
  • Knowledge of vacuum expectation values (vev) in quantum field theory
  • Basic comprehension of mathematical derivations in theoretical physics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of Higgs vacuum expectation value (vev) on particle mass
  • Read the arXiv paper referenced: http://www.arxiv.org/abs/hep-ph/0503172
  • Explore first-order perturbation theory in quantum field theory
  • Investigate the relationship between mass and symmetry breaking in the Standard Model
USEFUL FOR

Particle physicists, theoretical physicists, and students interested in the intricacies of the Higgs mechanism and its implications for mass in the Standard Model.

touqra
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Forgive if I'm being sarcastic, but I just read on the Higgs mechanism, giving mass to the fermions and bosons. But at the same time, Higgs itself has mass? Isn't that abit irony?
 
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There are two separate concepts:: Higgs field (the mechanism) and Higgs particle.
 
arivero said:
There are two separate concepts:: Higgs field (the mechanism) and Higgs particle.

I meant the Higgs mechanism itself used the Higgs field to couple to the bosons to give them their masses, via a Higgs vev. But at this point, I guess I should have read the arxiv paper more properly. Now I notice that had if the Higgs vev = 0, so too will the Higgs mass. I think I can say that, not only does the Higgs mechanism gives mass to the fermions and bosons, but also to the Higgs particle itself ?
Also, in the same arxiv paper: http://www.arxiv.org/abs/hep-ph/0503172
what is first order and how did the author use it to obtain equation 1.33 ?
 

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