[Paper Review] Higgs Physics

S. Heinemeyer|arXiv (Cornell University)|May 15, 2014

Particle physics theoretical and experimental studies1 references4 citations

TL;DR

This paper analyzes the Higgs sector in the Standard Model (SM) and the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model (MSSM) in light of the recently discovered Higgs boson near 125.5 GeV. It examines Higgs physics at the LHC and the International Linear Collider (ILC), focusing on properties, couplings, and the potential for new physics beyond the SM.

ABSTRACT

This lecture discusses the Higgs boson sectors of the SM and the MSSM, in particular in view of the recently discovered particle at \sim 125.5 GeV. It covers aspects of Higgs physics at the LHC and the ILC.

Motivation & Objective

• To analyze the Higgs sector of the Standard Model (SM) and the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model (MSSM) in light of the observed Higgs boson at ~125.5 GeV.
• To assess the implications of the Higgs boson discovery for precision Higgs couplings and mass measurements at the LHC.
• To evaluate the potential of the International Linear Collider (ILC) for high-precision Higgs boson property measurements.
• To compare SM and MSSM predictions for Higgs sector phenomenology, particularly regarding Higgs boson couplings and production mechanisms.
• To investigate the role of the Higgs sector in probing physics beyond the Standard Model, including supersymmetry.

Proposed method

• Analyzes the Higgs sector within the framework of the Standard Model (SM) and the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model (MSSM).
• Reviews experimental data from the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) on the Higgs boson at ~125.5 GeV, focusing on its production and decay rates.
• Evaluates the potential of the International Linear Collider (ILC) for precision measurements of Higgs boson couplings and mass.
• Compares theoretical predictions of SM and MSSM Higgs sectors, including Higgs boson couplings to fermions and gauge bosons.
• Applies theoretical and phenomenological tools to assess the consistency of the observed Higgs boson with SM and MSSM expectations.
• Considers the impact of quantum corrections and loop effects on Higgs sector observables in both models.

Experimental results

Research questions

• RQ1 How do the measured properties of the Higgs boson at ~125.5 GeV compare with predictions in the Standard Model?
• RQ2 To what extent does the observed Higgs boson behavior support or challenge the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model (MSSM)?
• RQ3 What precision measurements can the International Linear Collider (ILC) perform on Higgs boson couplings and mass?
• RQ4 How do Higgs boson production and decay rates in the SM and MSSM differ, and what do they imply for new physics?
• RQ5 What constraints does the Higgs sector place on the scale of new physics beyond the Standard Model?

Key findings

• The observed Higgs boson at ~125.5 GeV is consistent with Standard Model predictions in terms of its mass and dominant decay modes.
• The Higgs boson couplings to vector bosons and fermions are found to be consistent with SM expectations within current experimental uncertainties.
• The MSSM provides a viable framework for the Higgs sector, with the lightest Higgs boson mass near 125.5 GeV achievable through large supersymmetric loop corrections.
• The International Linear Collider (ILC) is expected to enable precision measurements of Higgs boson couplings at the sub-percent level, improving on LHC capabilities.
• Deviations from SM predictions in Higgs couplings could signal new physics, such as supersymmetry or additional Higgs states.
• The Higgs sector remains a critical probe for physics beyond the Standard Model, especially in the context of electroweak symmetry breaking.