If the H is too heavy, it is unlikely to exist as an elementary particle. Instead it is more likely to be replaced by a new set of strongly interacting dynamics. At present, there is no experimental evidence in favor of a Higgs particle, nor is there any against. Finding the Higgs boson, or whatever takes its place, is crucial for understanding and going beyond the physics of the Standard Model.

Although introducing a Higgs field provides a simple mechanism for electroweak symmetry breaking, we really do not understand at a deep level why this phenomenon occurs. In fact, the Higgs mechanism with its concomitant spin-zero Higgs boson has a variety of theoretical shortcomings. The model on which it is based is unstable against quantum corrections when embedded in a theory of gravity or grand unified theory. In addition, although the simplest Higgs model can accommodate all known particle masses, mixings, and even CP violation, it does not explain their origin.

Even though our knowledge of electroweak symmetry breaking is incomplete, the mass values of the W and Z bosons identify the energy scale where this phenomenon becomes manifest. Irrespective of what is the precise agent that causes the symmetry breakdown, we believe that the physics which underlies it will be uncovered when we will be able to thoroughly probe matter at this energy scale. Through experimentation at much higher energies than those presently available we hope that a truly fundamental understanding of electroweak symmetry breakdown will emerge that will elucidate the origin of mass through additional symmetry, new dynamics, or by some as yet unknown phenomenon. Uncovering those missing ingredients and deciphering their role was a major focus of the Superconducting Super Collider (SSC), and remains one of the most important goals of high-energy physics today.

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