Physics Beyond the Standard Models (BSM)

Background. In 2022 we were introduced to the BSM mindset by the Institute for Particle Physics Phenomenology (IPPP) at Durham University in the UK. Many of their people and associates are aggressively seeking to define a new physics beyond the Standard Model of Particle Physics. To that search, we add the Standard Model for Cosmology, thus the word, Model, has become Models here. Also, within this search, we add the analysis of work to create a bridge between the two.

Introduction. While “From the Planck scale to the electroweak scale” and “Beyond the Standard Model” (BSM) are common ways to refer to the physics relevant in that energy range, there are other, more specific terms that are used, depending on the particular theoretical framework being explored. 

Here are some examples of related terms and areas of research:

  • Supersymmetry (SUSY): Extensions of the Standard Model that introduce a symmetry between bosons and fermions. SUSY models often predict new particles in the TeV region that could potentially explain the mass hierarchy problem and provide dark matter candidates.
  • Grand Unified Theories (GUTs): Theories that aim to unify the strong, weak, and electromagnetic forces at very high energies, possibly near the Planck scale.
  • Extra Dimensions: Theories that propose the existence of additional spatial dimensions beyond the usual three. These extra dimensions could manifest themselves at scales relevant to the electroweak scale.
  • String Theory: A theoretical framework that describes fundamental particles as tiny vibrating strings. String theory can potentially address issues like the hierarchy problem and provide a unified description of all fundamental forces, including gravity.
  • Dark Matter and Dark Energy: The phenomena of dark matter and dark energy are not explained by the Standard Model, and theoretical efforts to understand them often involve physics beyond the Standard Model.
  • Neutrino Masses: The Standard Model predicts that neutrinos are massless, but experiments have shown they have small but non-zero masses. This requires extensions to the Standard Model.
  • Modified Gravity: While general relativity is our current best description of gravity, some theories propose modifications to gravity, particularly at very high energies, which could affect the connection between the electroweak and Planck scales. 
  • 202 Highly-integrated Notations from the Planck Time to this Day: Our theory.

In summary, while “From the Planck scale to the electroweak scale” and “Beyond the Standard Model” are broad categories, researchers delve into various specific theoretical frameworks and topics within that area, each with its own terminology. 

Sources for insight include:

  1. Institute for Particle Physics Phenomenology (IPPP) at Durham University. Their work inspired this homepage and its sequel and the beginning of our studies of BSM.
  2. Wikipedia: Physics beyond the Standard Model
  3. Symmetry Magazine: “We have a precise model of only a small sliver of reality,” said Don Lincoln of Fermi Lab. This report, Beyond the Standard Model, is by Katrina Miller, PhD and Symmetry.
  4. Royal Society: Beyond the standard model of particle physics
  5. The Physics Hypertextbook
  6. Fermilab (CERN): Beyond the Standard Model, B.A. Dobrescu, Batavia, IL (2014)
  7. Stanford University: Peter W. Graham (his work is a focus “beyond the standard model”)
  8. Precision Physics in Extensions of the Standard Model, Philip Adam Waite, 2019
  9. Our Model
  10. More to come…

This list will focus on ten of the best articles we can find about “Beyond the standard model.” Each will have their own reference page within this website.

So, yes, there will be much more to come.

###