Beyond the Standard Model: SUSY, Extra Dimensions & GUT Unification

What Beyond the Standard Model (BSM) Physics Is

Beyond the Standard Model refers to theories that extend or modify the current framework of particle physics. These extensions aim to address issues like dark matter, unification of forces, and the hierarchy problem. The Standard Model describes fundamental particles and their interactions but falls short in explaining certain phenomena observed in nature.

Three prominent BSM scenarios include supersymmetry (SUSY), extra dimensions, and Grand Unified Theories (GUTs). SUSY posits that every known particle has a superpartner with slightly different properties. Extra dimensions propose additional spatial dimensions beyond the familiar three, which could explain phenomena at very high energies or provide new ways for particles to propagate. GUTs unify the fundamental forces of nature into a single framework.

Why It Matters

The pursuit of BSM physics is crucial because it seeks to answer fundamental questions about the universe, such as what dark matter is made of and why gravity doesn't fit with quantum mechanics. These theories could lead to new technologies or a deeper understanding of the cosmos.

By exploring these ideas through interactive simulations like this one, physicists can test predictions and refine theories, potentially leading to revolutionary breakthroughs in our understanding of the universe.

How SUSY, Extra Dimensions & GUT Unification Work

Supersymmetry introduces a symmetry between fermions (particles with half-integer spin) and bosons (particles with integer spin). This symmetry suggests that every known particle has a superpartner. For example, the electron would have a partner called the selectron. SUSY can help explain why gravity is so weak compared to other forces at high energies.

Extra dimensions propose that our universe might have more than three spatial dimensions. In these models, particles can oscillate between different dimensions, leading to new phenomena observable in experiments or cosmological observations. The Kaluza-Klein theory provides a framework for this idea.

Grand Unification and Energy Scales

Grand Unified Theories aim to unify the electromagnetic force, weak nuclear force, and strong nuclear force into a single framework. At very high energies (near 2x10^16 GeV), these forces are expected to merge into one. SUSY and extra dimensions can also play roles in GUTs by providing new particles or mechanisms for unification.

The shared energy-scale slider in the simulation allows you to explore how different BSM scenarios manifest at various energy levels, from 100 GeV up to the Planck scale (10^19 GeV). This helps visualize the transition between known physics and potential new phenomena.

Frequently asked questions

Try it live

Everything above runs in your browser — open Beyond the Standard Model: SUSY, Extra Dimensions & GUT Unification and change the parameters while it is running. Nothing is installed, nothing is uploaded, the whole model lives in one tab.