Particle Physics for Cosmology

Abstract

I discuss some central issues in particle physics which are potentially relevant to cosmology. I first briefly review the present (glorious) experimental status of the Standard Model, emphasizing that it provides a firm foundation both for early Universe cosmology and for further exploration toward the basic laws of Nature. I then provide a critique, arguing that while there are no clear discrepancies, there are several major, specific deficiencies of the Standard Model which clearly point up its provisional character. I elaborate on the story theorists have made up to address one of these problems, the problem of scattered multiplets, and show how upon following it out one finds, within existing experiments, encouragement -- bordering on evidence -- for certain ambitious ideas regarding unification and supersymmetry. I briefly describe and contrast two paradigms of supersymmetry breaking, which have markedly different experimental and cosmological consequences. I call attention to specific connections with cosmology where appropriate throughout; and near the end I make some more global remarks. Finally I venture a speculation suggesting, in a fairly concrete way, the possibility that the laws of physics cannot, in principle, be disentangled from cosmology.