Physics beyond the standard model: search for the dark photon and dark fermion
LE3 .A278 2016
2016
Barkanova, Svetlana
Acadia University
Bachelor of Science
Honours
Physics
The standard model is the leading theory in particle physics which attempts to unify the four fundamental forces and explain the physical phenomena of the universe in which we live. However, the standard model is incomplete and requires additional particles to be included in order to explain phenomena such as dark matter and dark energy. Recent data released from CERN show that the theoretical decay width of the Higgs Boson does not match up with experiment – this gives birth to new physics. By examining the decay branch of the Higgs boson into photons, and introducing a new particle through the decay branches, theoretical constraints can be placed on the physical properties of the dark photon. Polarization sums will be computed in order to approximate the amplitude by absolute value squared, and thus, calculate new decay widths for the Higgs boson. These constraints will allow exclusion plots to be created, highlighting the possible properties with which the dark photon can exist. Furthermore, a dark fermion will be introduced into the Higgs-dark photon coupling loop. Constraints can be placed on this new dark fermion’s physical properties much in the same manner as the dark photon and plots displaying the allowed properties will be produced. The effects of introducing the dark photon into the Higgs decay will be examined first. After which, specific values for the dark photons properties will be selected in order to examine the effects of the dark fermion on the decay width for defined properties of the dark photon.
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https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:1483
