Probing the Physics of the Hierarchy Problem

该项目将利用目前正在运行的大型强子对撞机的结果，探索电弱对称性破缺的物理学，并测试希格斯机制和超对称性的孪生理论思想。通过研究希格斯扇区的扩展，该小组将找到测试超对称性最小模型的方法，并使用数据区分各种模型。这也将与通过希格斯衰变进行的轻子味道违反的测试联系起来，这一现象与正在进行的研究中微子质量和混合的努力密切相关。最后，将探讨希格斯玻色子物理学、超对称性和暗物质的天体物理学问题以及宇宙的重子不对称性之间的联系。在此过程中，该小组试图增加我们对实验中不易测量的物理学的理解，例如中微子质量的来源和与LHC超对称性实验特征相关的暗物质的性质。同时，该项目包括通过为非科学专业的现代物理学提供新的和创新的课程，致力于改善整个大学的学术咨询，以及旨在增加圣母大学学生攻读科学，技术，工程和数学研究生课程的数量的计划。这是再加上继续推广到更大的北方印第安纳州社区通过公共讲座和天文馆显示在圣母院校园，并通过QuarkNet计划与当地高中的互动。

Using results from the now-operational Large Hadron Collider, this project will probe the physics of electroweak symmetry breaking and test the twin theoretical ideas of the Higgs mechanism and supersymmetry. By examining extensions of the Higgs sector, the group will find ways to test the minimal models of supersymmetry and to distinguish among various models using data. This will also tie into tests of lepton flavor violation through Higgs decays, a phenomenon deeply connected to the ongoing efforts to study neutrino masses and mixings. Finally, connections will be explored between the physics of the Higgs boson, supersymmetry and the astrophysical problems of dark matter and the baryon asymmetry of the universe. In so doing, the group seeks to increase our understanding of physics which is not readily measured in experiment, such as the source of the neutrino masses and the properties of the dark matter correlated with experimental signatures for SUSY at the LHC.Simultaneously, this project includes continued outreach to the Notre Dame academic community through new and innovative courses in modern physics for non-science majors, work on improving academic advising throughout the university, and programs designed to increase the number of Notre Dame students pursuing graduate studies in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This is coupled to continued outreach to the greater Northern Indiana community through public lectures and planetarium shows on the Notre Dame campus, and interactions with local high schools through the QuarkNet program.