“I think the discovery of supersymmetric partners for the known particles would revolutionize our understanding of the universe.”
- January 8, 1942 – March 14, 2018
- British
- Theoretical physicist, science writer
- Announced the black hole singularity theorem and Hawking radiation, and contributed to the popularization of science with his book “Talking about the Universe”
Quote
“I think the discovery of supersymmetric partners for the known particles would revolutionize our understanding of the universe.”
Explanation
In this statement, Stephen Hawking emphasizes the profound implications that the discovery of supersymmetry (often abbreviated as SUSY) would have on our understanding of fundamental physics. Supersymmetry is a theoretical framework that posits that every known particle has a “supersymmetric partner” with different spin properties. For example, in the standard model of particle physics, particles like quarks and electrons are paired with theoretical counterparts known as squarks and selectrons. The confirmation of such partners would offer a more complete and unified theory of particle physics.
Hawking’s statement reflects his broader view on the search for a unified theory that could bring together quantum mechanics and general relativity into a single framework—something that has eluded physicists for over a century. Supersymmetry is considered a key element in many proposed theories, including string theory, and could offer answers to several unresolved questions in physics, such as the nature of dark matter. It could also explain the hierarchy problem (why particles like the Higgs boson have relatively small masses compared to the Planck mass).
The discovery of supersymmetric particles would have a transformative effect on the Standard Model of particle physics, providing a deeper understanding of the universe at the smallest scales. This would not only advance fundamental research but also potentially open new avenues for technology, including quantum computing and materials science. However, the lack of experimental evidence for supersymmetry, despite decades of searching, suggests that the discovery may require technologies or energies far beyond current capabilities, leaving open the question of how long it will take to confirm these theoretical predictions.
