Question

Just for a topic of fun - which horse would you put your mind on? Finding the Higgs Boson or Greene's strings first? Ha.

Answer 1

Money*

Answer 2

Assuming that both exist, then I would have to put the money on finding the Higgs boson way before they find any evidence for SuperStings. The reason being is that right at this moment in time we have the ability to actively search for the Higgs boson, and are doing so. Only last week, new data was announced which further limited the mass range in which it could be http://physicsworld.com/cws/article/news/46636. So we are closing in upon it (again assuming that it exists within the expected mass range).

As for string theory, the energies required to directly test it are no where near our current level of technology. What's more, String Theory has been woefully inadequate in providing predictions that we can test within our current energy limits. Furthermore, it equations predict \(10\times{500}\) different types of universes (with different configuration of curled up dimensions, but we do not yet know which one of those universes is ours. Until this problem is sorted theoretically, then it will will remain difficult to test. The only way we will be able to ascertain if there is anything to superstring theory is if we find evidence that extra-dimensions do exist, or if the property of super-symmetry exists (which is what String theory relies upon: the Super part relates to super-symmetry). If we find that super-symmetry doesn't exist (and the LHC is testing this and so far it is not looking good for the premise), then that could spell the end of String theory (though those clever theorists may find a work around to keep string theory alive). If we do find super-symmetry, then it doesn't automatically mean string theory is correct.

Probably the better question to ask is not which we will find first, but rather which of the two we can find to exist or not exist? If this is the question then the competition is closer, but I would still have to say the Higgs will be proved or disproved first, before super-symmetry is falsified.

Answer 3

sorry thats meant to be \(10\times^{500}\) not \(10\times500\).

Answer 4

If you don't mind continuing the discussion, could you elaborate on the importance of the Higgs Boson? I understand that it sort of the, "end all and be all" as far as sub-atomic particles go. But besides being the smallest, what makes it so critical? I guess I don't understand how it's so critical to stepping forward towards the unified theory of everything.

Answer 5

The Higgs Boson is the only particle predicted by the Standard model that has yet to be observed. So if after looking all over the energy spectrum for it, it is not observed, then this spells problems with the standard model.

For a bit of background (and as best as I understand it), the standard model incorporates electroweak theory, that is to say it unifies the Weak Nuclear force, and Electromagnetism. At high energies, all gauge bosons will be massless. However, below an energy threshold, spontaneous symmetry breaking occurs (similar to water turning to ice), and certain bosons (which are particles with integral spin) obtain a mass. It is the Higgs field, of which the Higgs boson is the smallest energy particle of this field, that provides the breaking mechanism, and imparts mass to these bosons. These bosons are the weak gauge bosons that carry the force of the weak interaction. Massless gauge bosons have an infinite range of interaction, by imparting mass to the Weak bosons, they are effectively limited in range, to inside the nucleus. The Higgs mechanism is also responsible for given all other particles such as leptons and fermions mass, through a slightly different interaction

The standard model including the Higgs, is capable of successfully predicting the ratios of the masses of these gauge bosons, which is indirect evidence of the Higgs existence, but direct observation is key. the problem is of course that the theory does not allow for the exact prediction of the Higgs mass, and depending upon the flavour of the model, the energy range also varies. It is thought though that it will reside within an energy range less than 1.4 TeV, if the standard model is to remain intact and consistent. And of course if no Higgs is observed at all.

The standard model has been successful at predicting new particles (such as W and Z bosons, gluon, and the top and charm quarks) before these particles were observed, it is also very good at explaining the properties of these particles, BUT, very few physicists believe it is complete, given that it is rather rag tag. For example, there are numerical constants that can 1) be tuned, and 2) appear unrelated and arbitrary. There are also hints of observations that the standard model can not yet explain. For example, the very small neutrino mass (though recent work has been able to incorporate this into the model, if somewhat messily). And then the Biggie of course is incorporating gravity into the mix, for which the standard model cannot cope with, and cannot explain.

Back to the Higgs though. The standard model is a step down from a GUT (grand unified theory), which is a theory unifying the electroweak force, with the strong force (no gravity as yet which is reserved for The Theory of everything ToE). GUTs, permit the understanding of the early universe in the so called "inflationary period". Indeed, it was first suggested that the Higgs field was the cause of cosmic inflation, but work has since shown this not to be the case.

Now as things stand, GUTs work quite well (though they are like white wallpaper with the details still to be filled in), but most are built upon a standard model that incorporates a Higgs existing below 1.4 TeV. If the Higgs does not exist, then like a key stone in an elaborate arch, removal of it will likely cause the structure to collapse (though note that the foundations and lower parts may remain, which is important to the analogy).

So finding or not finding the Higgs is important for the progression of our understanding of physics at a deeper level.

Answer 6

As a sort of quasi-discussion jump here; does the existence of a Higgs Boson lead us any closer to greater understanding of other areas of physics beyond particle physics? To narrow the scope of the question I am most curious about the implications on how we understand Exotic Matter. Is there any relation between Exotic Matter, the Higgs Boson, and the GUTs?

Answer 7

What do you mean specifically by exotic matter? As for understanding beyond particle physics, the only real area that this would give insight into is cosmology and the "Big Bang" (a terrible name if you ask me), in that it will push our understanding of the evolution of the very early universe closer to time zero.