Physics with the missing energy signature at colliders

Missing energy and momentum experiments in high energy particle physics are reviewed. The techniques, problems and successes of such experiments are discussed using the historical example of the β decay, as well as the discoveries of the τ lepton and of the W boson. Recent missing energy experiments at the Z0 peak, demonstrate the feasibility of the indirect neutrino detection method in large multi purpose detectors. The importance of missing energy detection capabilities for future experiments is emphasized with several search studies for new exotic phenomena at LEP2, the LHC and at a linear e+e- collider. (author)