Physics Beyond the Standard Model and Dark Matter

TL;DR

This paper reviews the motivations for new physics at the TeV scale, explores candidates beyond the Standard Model, and discusses non-baryonic dark matter as evidence for physics beyond current theories.

Contribution

It provides an overview of potential new physics candidates at the TeV scale and discusses their relevance to dark matter and cosmology.

Findings

Identification of promising new physics candidates at TeV energies

Explanation of dark matter's non-baryonic nature

Discussion of historical analogies influencing current theories

Abstract

In this lecture note, I discuss why many of us are expecting rich physics at the TeV scale, drawing analogies from the history of physics in the last century. Then I review some of the possible candidates of new physics at this energy scale. I also discuss why we believe much of the matter in the universe is not atoms (baryons) or compact astronomical objects, and hence requires physics beyond the standard model. Finally I discuss some of the candidates for the non-baryonic dark matter.