Neutral currents and the Higgs mechanism

Abstract

The consequences of assuming (i) weak and e.m. forces constitute a gauge field theory, and (ii) there are no heavy leptons, are investigated. Relative to the Weinberg model, introduction of a general spontaneous symmetry breaking system leads to a theory with one extra free parameter, namely the neutral vector boson mass. Experimental consequences are indicated. A particular Higgs system containing two multiplets is studied in detail. It is noted that parameters may be chosen such that the cosmological constant is zero before as well as after spontaneous symmetry breakdown.