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arXiv:1410.6753physics.pop-ph

The symmetry and simplicity of the laws of physics and the Higgs boson

Juan Maldacena

Abstract

We describe the theoretical ideas, developed between the 1950s-1970s, which led to the prediction of the Higgs boson, the particle that was discovered in 2012. The forces of nature are based on symmetry principles. We explain the nature of these symmetries through an economic analogy. We also discuss the Higgs mechanism, which is necessary to avoid some of the naive consequences of these symmetries, and to explain various features of elementary particles.

arXiv comments
23+8 pages. 18 figures. V2: references added
Journal reference
DOI
Subjects
physics.pop-phPopular Physics hep-exHigh Energy Physics, Experiment hep-latHigh Energy Physics, Lattice hep-phHigh Energy Physics, Phenomenology hep-thHigh Energy Physics, Theory

On Hacker News

Linked by 3 identifiable commenters in 3 comments across 3 threads, from Feb 2018 to Jan 2020. Found in 2 HN submissions from Mar 2015 to Nov 2018. Open submission discussions.

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Discussed in comments3 threads

  1. Medallion Fund “Stretches Explanation to the Limit,” Professor Claims 1 comment

    • My long standing hypothesis on Medallion is that they figured out how to apply gauge theoretic techniques to financial markets. This fits with Simons work that he did before he founded the fund. The fact that gauge theory is applicable to for example currency trading is folk…

      orbifoldView on HNParent context

  2. The symmetry and simplicity of the laws of physics and the Higgs boson (2015) 1 comment
  3. The conceptual origins of Maxwell's equations and gauge theory (2014) [pdf] 1 comment

    • Not a physicists either, These "non-physical redundancy" you are referring to can't be picked out totally at random. They do have some interdepencencies. My understanding is that at each point in space you can pick a DIFFERENT gauge transformation, but there are some…

      21View on HNParent context

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