Physics Beyond the Standard Model

TL;DR

This paper discusses the current state of the Standard Model, highlights the need for new physics beyond it such as supersymmetry, and emphasizes the role of the LHC and other experiments in discovering such new physics.

Contribution

It provides an overview of the motivations for physics beyond the Standard Model and discusses the potential of the LHC and other experiments to uncover new phenomena.

Findings

Supersymmetry is a promising candidate for new physics.

The LHC has good prospects for discovering dark matter and understanding mass origin.

Multiple experimental avenues are important for exploring beyond the Standard Model.

Abstract

The Standard Model is in good shape, apart possibly from g_\mu - 2 and some niggling doubts about the electroweak data. Something like a Higgs boson is required to provide particle masses, but theorists are actively considering alternatives. The problems of flavour, unification and quantum gravity will require physics beyond the Standard Model, and astrophysics and cosmology also provide reasons to expect physics beyond the Standard Model, in particular to provide the dark matter and explain the origin of the matter in the Universe. Personally, I find supersymmetry to be the most attractive option for new physics at the TeV scale. The LHC should establish the origin of particle masses has good prospects for discovering dark matter, and might also cast light on unification and even quantum gravity. Important roles may also be played by lower-energy experiments, astrophysics and cosmology in the searches for new physics beyond the Standard Model.