Supersymmetry and String Theory: Beyond the Standard Model

This book provides an introduction to the fields of experimental and theoretical particle physics and cosmology, focusing on supersymmetry, string theory, and astrophysics and cosmology. It covers the basics of supersymmetry, general relativity, the big bang theory, inflationary cosmologies, and the spectra of known string theories.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 608 pages
Publication date: 09 February 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This text is an introduction to the fields of experimental and theoretical particle physics and cosmology. The book focuses on three principal areas: supersymmetry, string theory, and astrophysics and cosmology. The chapters on supersymmetry introduce the basics of supersymmetry and its phenomenology, and cover dynamics, dynamical supersymmetry breaking, and electric–magnetic duality. The book then introduces general relativity and the big bang theory, and the basic issues in inflationary cosmologies. The section on string theory discusses the spectra of known string theories, and the features of their interactions. Material added in the second edition includes the pivotal Higgs discovery and the results of the WMAP and Planck experiments. This book will be of great interest to graduates and researchers in the fields of particle theory, string theory, astrophysics, and cosmology. It has been reissued as an Open Access publication on Cambridge Core.

Supersymmetry is a theoretical framework in particle physics that aims to unify all fundamental forces in the universe. It proposes that every particle in the Standard Model of particle physics has a corresponding supersymmetric partner particle, which has the same mass but opposite charges and spins. Supersymmetry has been extensively studied in the past decade, and there are many proposed models that incorporate it. However, there is still no definitive evidence for its existence, and it remains a topic of active research.

String theory is a theoretical framework in physics that proposes that the fundamental building blocks of the universe are tiny, one-dimensional strings that vibrate at different frequencies. The theory has been around for decades, but it has not yet been proven to be correct. There are many different types of string theories, each with its own set of predictions and assumptions. One of the most popular types of string theory is the superstring theory, which suggests that the strings are wrapped around tiny, three-dimensional loops called M-branes. Another type of string theory is the loop quantum gravity theory, which proposes that the universe is composed of tiny, one-dimensional loops that vibrate at different frequencies.

Astrophysics and cosmology are two branches of science that study the origin, evolution, and fate of the universe. Astrophysics is the study of the physical and chemical properties of celestial objects, such as stars, planets, and galaxies. Cosmology is the study of the overall structure and evolution of the universe. Astrophysics and cosmology are closely related, and they often rely on each other to interpret the data that they collect. For example, astrophysics can help us to understand the properties of stars and galaxies, which can in turn help us to interpret the data from cosmological experiments. Astrophysics and cosmology are also important for understanding the fundamental laws of physics. For example, the study of black holes and neutron stars can help us to understand the nature of gravity and the behavior of matter at extreme temperatures.

In recent years, there have been many exciting developments in the fields of astrophysics and cosmology. For example, scientists have discovered that the universe is expanding faster than previously thought, and they have begun to understand the underlying mechanisms that are driving this expansion. They have also discovered that the universe is composed of a vast array of different types of matter and energy, including dark matter and dark energy. Astrophysics and cosmology are also important for understanding the origins of life on Earth. For example, the study of the early universe can help us to understand the conditions that were necessary for the emergence of life.

In conclusion, the fields of experimental and theoretical particle physics and cosmology are fascinating and important areas of research. They are constantly evolving, and there are many exciting developments in the works. By studying these fields, we can gain a better understanding of the universe and our place in it. We can also gain a deeper appreciation of the fundamental laws of physics and the incredible complexity of the cosmos.

ISBN-13: 9781009290890
Edition number: 2 Revised edition