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The Higgs boson -- its implications and prospects for future discoveries (2104.06821v1)

Published 14 Apr 2021 in hep-ph and hep-ex

Abstract: The Higgs boson, a fundamental scalar, was discovered at CERN in 2012 with mass 125 GeV, a mass that turned out to be a remarkable choice of Nature. In the Standard Model of particle physics, the Higgs boson is closely linked to the mechanism that gives mass to the W and Z gauge bosons that mediate the weak interactions and to the charged fermions. Following discovery of the Higgs boson, present measurements at the Large Hadron Collider are focused on testing the Higgs boson's couplings to other elementary particles, precision measurements of the Higgs boson's properties and initial investigation of the Higgs boson's self-interaction and shape of the Higgs potential. With the Higgs boson mass of 125 GeV the vacuum sits very close to the border of stable and metastable, which may be a hint to deeper physics beyond the Standard Model. The Higgs potential also plays an important role in ideas about the cosmological constant or dark energy that drives the accelerating expansion of the Universe, the mysterious dark matter that comprises about 80% of the matter component in the Universe, as well as a possible phase transition in the early Universe that might be responsible for baryogenesis. Detailed study of the Higgs boson is at the centre of the recent European Strategy for Particle Physics update. Here we review the present status of this physics and discuss the new insights expected from present and future experiments.

Citations (18)

Summary

  • The paper reviews the current understanding of the Higgs boson's properties and interactions, exploring implications for cosmology and future experimental prospects.
  • Current precision measurements at the LHC, including confirmation of Higgs decay to muons, test its alignment with Standard Model predictions and probe potential connections to physics beyond the Standard Model.
  • Future experiments, such as high-luminosity/energy LHC upgrades and new electron-positron colliders, aim for ultra-precise Higgs measurements, especially of its self-coupling, critical for understanding electroweak symmetry breaking and cosmological connections.

The Higgs Boson: Implications and Prospects for Future Discoveries

The discovery of the Higgs boson at CERN's Large Hadron Collider (LHC) in 2012 marked a critical milestone in particle physics, confirming key aspects of the Standard Model (SM) and opening new pathways for theoretical and experimental exploration. The Higgs, an elementary scalar particle, provides mass to the W and Z gauge bosons and charged fermions through the Brout-Englert-Higgs mechanism, vital for the electroweak symmetry breaking. This paper reviews the current understanding of Higgs boson's properties and interactions, explores implications for cosmology, and discusses prospective future experiments aimed at comprehensive characterization of this fundamental particle.

Current Understanding and Theoretical Implications

The Higgs boson, with a mass around 125 GeV, aligns with the SM predictions following its discovery through decay channels into vector bosons and fermions at the LHC. The precision with which its mass is known facilitates detailed studies of its properties, including self-couplings and other interactions. A critical aspect of this exploration is assessing the stability of the electroweak vacuum. Current data imply that our vacuum resides near the boundary between stability and metastability. This apparent fine-tuning suggests a potential avenue for physics beyond the SM, potentially involving high-energy critical phenomena or novel symmetry-breaking mechanics.

The small Higgs mass in comparison to the Planck scale presents the hierarchy problem—conventional quantum corrections would naturally elevate the Higgs mass. This enigma has driven various theoretical models beyond the SM, including supersymmetry, composite Higgs frameworks, and theories of emergent gauge symmetries that could operate at trans-Planckian energies. Each of these poses testable predictions for future experimental verification at higher energies or through precision measurements.

Experimental Results and Prospects

The rigorous examination of the Higgs boson's interactions with top quarks, bottom quarks, and other fermions has underscored its role as the linchpin of SM mass generation. Noteworthy is the recent confirmation of Higgs decay to muons, marking a significant stride in probing Higgs-fermion interactions. The elucidation of these coupling constants contributes to understanding whether our measured "Higgs-like" particle perfectly aligns with SM expectations or hints at more complex underlying dynamics.

As we look forward, the European Strategy for Particle Physics underscores the importance of ultra-precise measurements of the Higgs at future collider facilities. Prospective high-luminosity/energy upgrades to the LHC and new electron-positron colliders promise enhanced precision in Higgs boson interactions, particularly concerning its self-coupling—a crucial parameter for understanding electroweak symmetry breaking dynamics in the early universe.

Cosmological Connections and Future Developments

Theoretical considerations of the Higgs boson extend into cosmology, with potential links to inflation and electroweak baryogenesis. Understanding the Higgs potential's structure could yield insights into the universe's phase transitions and dark energy mysteries. Continued focus on detailed measurements could illuminate the potential role of Higgs in the universe's fate, specifically through gravitational wave signals from early-universe phase transitions.

Overall, the Higgs boson discovery has cemented the SM's foundational aspects while illuminating several areas ripe for theoretical and experimental inquiry. As exploratory avenues evolve—spanning high-energy physics and cosmology—the Higgs boson will undoubtedly remain central to unlocking deeper insights into the universe's fundamental physics. Future collider experiments and theoretical developments are set to distill the nuances of this lone scalar excitation, impacting the landscape of modern theoretical physics.

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