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:
“The defects and faults of the mind are like wounds in the body; after all imaginable care has been taken to heal them up, still there will be a scar left behind, and they are in continual danger of breaking the skin and bursting out again.”
—François, Duc De La Rochefoucauld (1613–1680)