Searching for the Higgs Boson

Physicists have found a particle, consistent with the Higgs boson

When a Higgs boson is produced in a particle physics experiment, it will decay, almost instantly, to other particles. Physicists search for the Higgs by looking through the data for the particular signature caused by the particles the Higgs boson decays into.

The key parameter physicists will measure once they have discovered the Higgs boson, usually denoted as m_H.

Particle Physicists measure the mass of subatomic particles such as the Higgs boson in units denoted as GeV/c². 1 GeV/c² is equivalent to 1.79 x 10^-27 kg, or roughly the mass of the proton. Here we present four historical searches for the Higgs boson.

FAQ

What does the Higgs boson decay into?
It decays into a pair of fundamental particles. The fundamental particles we know we call leptons, quarks and gauge bosons. Future measurements will tell us more about which particles the Higgs decays into, and how often.

Image gallery

The Higgs boson will decay into a pair of any of these particles. These different decay products are more of less likely.

The fundamental subatomic particles and the (as yet undiscovered) Higgs boson
The Higgs boson will decay into a pair of any of these particles. These different decay products are more of less likely.

The predicted branching ratio of the Higgs boson. Depending of the measured mass of the Higgs boson different decays are more or less likely.<br />Reference: Handbook of LHC Higgs Cross Sections (arXiv:1101.0593).

Predicted branching ratio of the Higgs boson.
The predicted branching ratio of the Higgs boson. Depending of the measured mass of the Higgs boson different decays are more or less likely.
Reference: Handbook of LHC Higgs Cross Sections (arXiv:1101.0593).

Menu

Searching for the Higgs Boson

Physicists have found a particle, consistent with the Higgs boson

FAQ

Read more about the searches at LHC and at previous experiments:

Image gallery