In his thesis research, Meyer was searching for the stop quark, the partner of the top quark in the Standard Model. To investigate the stop quark’s existence, researchers examine the products of decay events — processes in which unstable particles are converted into energy or smaller masses. They look for events that could be attributed to the quark. Still, many more trials are needed to see sufficient statistical evidence that the stop quark exists. And if it does, it would be rare.
Although Meyer no longer works with the supersymmetry researchers at CERN, their project is ongoing: Another trial at a higher energy is currently underway in search of better evidence for the stop quark and for supersymmetry. Meyer’s thesis predicts that if support for supersymmetry is not found during this higher-energy run, the evidence may actually contradict the theory behind supersymmetry. Thus far, supersymmetry has been elusive even to the most dedicated physicists, and all evidence in support of the theory has been indirect.
- actually contradict the theory behind supersymmetry.
- Thus far, supersymmetry has been elusive even to the most dedicated physicists, and all evidence in support of the theory has been indirect.
- it would be rare.
- researchers at CERN, their project is ongoing 1
- researchers at CERN, their project is ongoing 2
- researchers at CERN, their project is ongoing 3
- processes in which