- CERN’s Large Hadron Collider (LHC) physicists have reported finding a rare decay of the Higgs boson into a Z boson and a photon.
- The decay process reveals important information about the Higgs boson and the nature of our cosmos.
Recognising the Higgs Boson
- The Higgs boson is a subatomic particle that conveys the force of particle motion through the Higgs field, which exists throughout the universe.
- The mass of a particle is determined by its interaction with Higgs bosons, with stronger interaction resulting in more mass.
The significance of Higgs Boson Decay
- Understanding the properties of Higgs bosons and how other particles interact with them helps disclose knowledge about the universe.
- The recent discovery of Higgs boson decay to a Z boson and a photon provides important new information.
The Function of Virtual Particles
- According to quantum field theory, space at the subatomic level is filled with virtual particles that constantly arise and disappear.
- During their formation, Higgs bosons interact briefly with virtual particles, culminating in the generation of a Z boson and a photon.
New Result and Probability
- The Standard Model predicts that the Higgs boson will decay into a Z boson and a photon 0.1% of the time.
- The LHC needed to produce a significant number of Higgs bosons to observe this decay pathway.
Confirmation and Statistical Precision
- The ATLAS and CMS detectors, which previously observed the decay independently, combined their data for increased statistical precision.
- Although the significance is not yet 100%, the combined data enhanced the confirmation of the Higgs boson decay.
Importance of the Standard Model
- Physicists are attempting to detect and validate the Standard Model’s predicted decay pathways for the Higgs boson.
- Precise testing of the model’s predictions aids in the identification of potential deviations and the exploration of new physics ideas.
Consequences for New Theories
- Higher decay rates throughout the measured pathway could lend support to theories other than the Standard Model.
- Experimental evidence from the LHC could help increase scientific knowledge.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/higgs-boson-z-boson-photon-lhc-standard-model-test/article66933432.ece#:~:text=Last%20week%2C%20physicists%20working%20with,well%20as%20about%20our%20universe.