Future summary

Authors
Citation
F. Wilczek, Future summary, INT J MOD P, 16(10), 2001, pp. 1653-1677
Citations number
20
Categorie Soggetti
Physics
Journal title
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MODERN PHYSICS A
ISSN journal
0217751X → ACNP
Volume
16
Issue
10
Year of publication
2001
Pages
1653 - 1677
Database
ISI
SICI code
0217-751X(20010420)16:10<1653:FS>2.0.ZU;2-3
Abstract
We are emerging from a period of consolidation in particle physics. Its gre at, historic achievement was to establish the Theory of Matter. This Theory will serve as our description of ordinary matter under ordinary conditions - allowing for an extremely liberal definition of "ordinary" - for the for eseeable future. Yet there are many indications, ranging from the numerical to the semimystical, that a new fertile period lies before us. We will dis cover compelling evidence for the unification of fundamental forces and for new quantum dimensions (low-energy supersymmetry). We will identify new fo rms of matter, which dominate the mass density of the Universe. We will ach ieve much better fundamental understanding of the behavior of matter in ext reme astrophysical and cosmological environments. Lying beyond these expect ations, we can identify deep questions that seem to call for ideas outside our present grasp. And there is still plenty of room for surprises.