The theory and discovery of the Higgs boson

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• 1 Standard Model of particle physics
• 1.1 History of the Standard Model
• 1.2 Theoretical description
• 1.3 Physical interactions
• 2 Models of the Higgs mechanism
• 2.1 Abelian Higgs Model
• 2.2 Weinberg-Salam Model
• 3 The Higgs boson
• 3.1 Mass of the Higgs boson
• 3.2 Production and decay of the Higgs boson
• 4 Experimental Search
• 4.1 History of events
• 4.2 The Large Hadron Collider LHC
• 4.3 Experimental Data from ATLAS and CMS

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This literature review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the theoretical framework and experimental journey leading to the discovery of the Higgs boson. It explores the Standard Model of particle physics, focusing on the Higgs mechanism and its role in explaining particle mass. The review also details the experimental search for the Higgs boson, highlighting key findings from the ATLAS and CMS detectors at the Large Hadron Collider. * The Standard Model of particle physics and its limitations. * The Higgs mechanism and spontaneous symmetry breaking. * The theoretical description of the Higgs boson and its properties. * The experimental search for the Higgs boson at the LHC. * Future directions for research beyond the Standard Model.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

1 Standard Model of particle physics: This chapter introduces the Standard Model, tracing its historical development from quantum electrodynamics (QED) to the incorporation of weak and strong interactions. It details the model's composition of elementary particles (quarks, leptons, bosons), emphasizing the three generations of fermions and their mass differences. The chapter also introduces the theoretical description of the Standard Model as a quantum field theory, highlighting its Lagrangian and the role of gauge transformations in conserving physical quantities like electric charge. The chapter concludes by outlining the four fundamental forces and their corresponding force-carrying bosons within the Standard Model. 2 Models of the Higgs mechanism: This chapter delves into the theoretical models explaining the Higgs mechanism. It begins by explaining the need for a mechanism to provide mass to particles, as simple mass terms violate gauge invariance. The chapter focuses on the Abelian Higgs Model as a simplified introduction, followed by a discussion of the Weinberg-Salam model, which successfully incorporates the Higgs mechanism into the electroweak theory, forming a cornerstone of the Standard Model. 3 The Higgs boson: This chapter focuses on the Higgs boson itself, its mass, production, and decay. It explains the significance of the Higgs boson in giving mass to other particles. Detailed discussion of the theoretical predictions about the Higgs boson's properties would also be included, setting the stage for the experimental search. 4 Experimental Search: This chapter describes the experimental efforts to detect the Higgs boson, focusing on the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN. It provides a historical overview of the experimental search, including the challenges encountered and the strategies employed. The chapter then gives a detailed account of data obtained from the ATLAS and CMS detectors at the LHC, essential in confirming the existence and properties of the Higgs boson. This part also explores the potential for future experiments beyond the Standard Model.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

Standard Model, Higgs boson, Higgs mechanism, spontaneous symmetry breaking, quantum field theory, gauge theory, Large Hadron Collider (LHC), ATLAS, CMS, particle physics, electroweak interaction, mass generation, experimental data.

Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview of the Higgs Boson

What is the purpose of this document?

This document provides a comprehensive language preview of a text detailing the theoretical framework and experimental journey leading to the discovery of the Higgs boson. It includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.

What topics are covered in this text?

The text covers the Standard Model of particle physics, focusing on the Higgs mechanism and its role in explaining particle mass. It details the experimental search for the Higgs boson, highlighting key findings from the ATLAS and CMS detectors at the Large Hadron Collider. Specific topics include: the Standard Model and its limitations; the Higgs mechanism and spontaneous symmetry breaking; the theoretical description of the Higgs boson and its properties; the experimental search for the Higgs boson at the LHC; and future directions for research beyond the Standard Model.

What is the Standard Model of particle physics, and how is it discussed in this text?

The text introduces the Standard Model, tracing its historical development and detailing its composition of elementary particles. It explains the theoretical description of the Standard Model as a quantum field theory, highlighting its Lagrangian and the role of gauge transformations. The four fundamental forces and their corresponding bosons are also discussed.

What are the different models of the Higgs mechanism covered?

The text delves into the theoretical models explaining the Higgs mechanism, starting with the Abelian Higgs Model as a simplified introduction. It then discusses the Weinberg-Salam model, which incorporates the Higgs mechanism into the electroweak theory.

What information is provided about the Higgs boson itself?

The text focuses on the Higgs boson's mass, production, and decay, explaining its significance in giving mass to other particles. It includes theoretical predictions about the Higgs boson's properties.

How is the experimental search for the Higgs boson described?

The text describes the experimental efforts to detect the Higgs boson at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), providing a historical overview and detailing data obtained from the ATLAS and CMS detectors. It also explores the potential for future experiments beyond the Standard Model.

What keywords are associated with this text?

Keywords include: Standard Model, Higgs boson, Higgs mechanism, spontaneous symmetry breaking, quantum field theory, gauge theory, Large Hadron Collider (LHC), ATLAS, CMS, particle physics, electroweak interaction, mass generation, experimental data.

What is the structure of the text?

The text is structured into four chapters: 1. Standard Model of particle physics; 2. Models of the Higgs mechanism; 3. The Higgs boson; and 4. Experimental Search. Each chapter has a dedicated summary in the preview.

Who is the intended audience of this document?

The intended audience is likely academics and researchers in particle physics, given the focus on theoretical frameworks and experimental data analysis. The structured and professional manner suggests a scholarly purpose.

Where can I find the complete text?

The provided preview does not include information on the complete text's location. Further information would be needed to locate the full document.