Origin of electron and neutrino masses

Determine the origin of the electron mass and the neutrino mass within the framework of the Standard Model of particle physics or an extension thereof, including whether these masses arise from conventional Higgs mechanisms, topological effects, or other interactions.

Background

In discussing possible topological origins of physical phenomena, Gerard ’t Hooft notes that some particle properties might reflect deep geometric or topological features. He points out that even for well-established particles such as electrons and neutrinos, the mechanism generating their masses remains unidentified within current understanding.

This uncertainty is mentioned while speculating on whether topological interactions could contribute to particle properties, highlighting that despite the successes of the Standard Model, key aspects like mass generation for the lightest charged lepton and neutrinos are not yet fully explained.