I’ve decided to write a new set of articles explaining why it takes time, potentially a long time, to discover the Higgs particle. First article is done: why even to find a Standard Model Higgs particle (the simplest possible type of Higgs particle that might be present in nature) has taken quite a while, if the Higgs particle is relatively lightweight. Coming soon: various exotic Higgs particles that would take several more years to discover.
If you’ve missed my two posts from the weekend you may want to read them:
- Saturday: The media is providing misleading reports on the Higgs particle search, not always properly distinguishing between the Standard Model Higgs particle (the simplest type of Higgs particle that might be present in nature) and Higgs particles in general. There’s a very big difference.
- Sunday: Although the search for the Standard Model Higgs particle is at least half over, it could take a very long time (as much as 10 years) to confirm that there are no Higgs particles of any type in nature.
I’m also recommending:
- For beginners: My video clips from my Secret Science Club talk, which explain what the Higgs field and particle are, why you should care, and how one looks for the Standard Model Higgs particle. You can also learn more details from the Higgs FAQ.
- For laypeople who’ve already done some reading: My post explaining why, if the Standard Model Higgs particle is not present in nature, the search for the Higgs particle (or particles or whatever) will become a lot more complicated and will potentially take many years. It’s a long post; if you don’t have time/energy to read it, at least look at the concluding figure.
- For laypeople who feel comfortable watching something a bit more sophisticated: My June 18th, 2010 lecture (mostly non-technical for the first 8 minutes, and even 20), given to graduate students in string theory, about why and how the Higgs search can easily become very challenging, even with only a small modification to the Standard Model Higgs.
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