The Missing Link in Physics

Certain moments in the History of Science have substantially changed the path of knowledge. These moments occur when, thanks to some experiments or findings, a theory can be proven right or wrong. Validation of a theory is like taking a leap forward in the understanding of any discipline, but at the same time it opens the door to many new unknowns. Experimental confirmations of the theory of relativity, the evolution of species, the expansion of the Universe, etc. are clear examples. Since Particle Physics is quite a novel discipline, during the last hundred years there have been quite a few momentous events in the field. These milestones have led to a deeper understanding of the subatomic world. These findings can be currently summarized as a series of formulas that best describe our comprehension of the most intimate structure of the Universe: the so-called Standard Model. However, during the last few decades, reaching new milestones has become more and more difficult, since we are dealing with increasingly higher ranges of energy that require larger and more complex experimental devices and experimental signals that are increasingly harder to detect. In other words, we are searching for smaller needles in larger haystacks, meaning it is an enormous privilege to be able to experience one of these discoveries firsthand. (Author)