In particle physics, supersymmetry breaking is the process to obtain a seemingly non-supersymmetric physics from a supersymmetric theory which is a necessary step to reconcile supersymmetry with actual experiments. It is an example of spontaneous symmetry breaking. In supergravity, this results in a slightly modified counterpart of the Higgs mechanism where the gravitinos become massive.
Supersymmetry breaking occurs at supersymmetry breaking scale. The superpartners whose mass would otherwise be equal to the mass of the regular particles in the absence of the SUSY breaking become much heavier.
See also soft SUSY breaking.
Famous quotes containing the word breaking:
“Yet herein will I imitate the sun,
Who doth permit the base contagious clouds
To smother up his beauty from the world,
That when he please again to be himself,
Being wanted, he may be more wondered at
By breaking through the foul and ugly mists
Of vapors that did seem to strangle him”
—William Shakespeare (1564–1616)