PBS Space Time Season 2018 Episode 40 Supersymmetric Particle Found?

In PBS Space Time season 2018 episode 40 titled "Supersymmetric Particle Found?", the show's host, Matt O'Dowd, explores the world of particle physics, specifically the search for supersymmetric particles.

The episode begins with a brief overview of the standard model of particle physics, which describes the basic building blocks of matter and the forces that govern their behavior. However, the standard model is incomplete as it fails to account for several phenomena, including dark matter, the hierarchy problem, and the unification of forces.

Enter supersymmetry: a theoretical framework that proposes a new set of particles that would partner with the particles in the standard model. These supersymmetric particles would not only resolve some of the shortcomings of the standard model but also play a crucial role in the universe's early moments.

Over the years, scientists have built particle accelerators to smash particles together to search for evidence of these supersymmetric particles. However, despite their predictions, no definitive evidence has been found.

Matt discusses the recent search for supersymmetric particles at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC), the world's largest particle accelerator. Scientists at the LHC have been smashing protons together at energies previously unachieved in the search for supersymmetric particles. However, no signal has been found thus far.

Matt then shifts his focus to an experiment in Japan called the Belle II experiment, which has been searching for evidence of supersymmetric particles from a different approach. Instead of searching for the particles themselves, Belle II has been searching for their effect on a specific type of particle decay called B meson decay.

The episode goes into great detail about this experimental approach, discussing how Belle II collects data, analyzes it, and searches for relevant patterns to indicate the presence of supersymmetric particles.

Matt talks to several physicists involved in the Belle II experiment, who discuss the significant challenges they face to conduct their research. He also highlights the remarkable importance of this experimental approach in the context of scientific discovery, noting that it's essential to have multiple avenues for exploring complex scientific questions like the search for supersymmetric particles.

Overall, PBS Space Time season 2018 episode 40 titled "Supersymmetric Particle Found?" is an illuminating exploration of the search for supersymmetric particles, highlighting the importance of theoretical frameworks and experimental approaches in the scientific discovery. The episode sheds light on the remarkable advancements we've made in understanding particle physics while emphasizing the need to continue exploring new avenues in the search for a complete understanding of the universe.