Certainly it would be a strong disappointment if confirmation of the Higgs field was not found - but it is possible.
Like you said, the Higgs is associated more with the standard model (as well theories in inflationary cosmology) than it is with Quantum Mechanics.
Though, if the Higgs is not found at the LHC, then there will probably be only a few possible reactions: 1) we need more energy 2) it doesn't exist 3) keep looking!!!!
I'd imagine a large number of researchers will decide it's #1, but convincing the political leaders of the world of that might be a challenge.
As a side note, if the US ever manages to have the ILC built here (after the royal screwing that came with the canceling of the collider in Texas), one of the suggested places for where specifically is right along I-88 in Illinois, stretching from roughly Dekalb to approx where Fermilab is now. Apparently there is a small section of land on the side of the highway where I believe some kind of line (perhaps electric) runs, and therefore, no one builds on it. However, since the ILC would be underground anyway, they could easily build below the lines, and have a long straight stretch of land to do it on too.
I think the groups have basically been divided on that issue. There are some who have been around for a while who don't expect much confirmation of any of these newer ideas. There are others who have been developing these ideas (like string theorists) who think that within a few months of operation, the LHC will have confirmed numerous predictions (Higgs boson, extra dimensions, super-symmetry, etc).
In any case, I think everyone is in agreement that the LHC is likely going to find something new/unexpected. What that is remains to be seen, but will definately shape the future of these upcoming machines.
Slashdot Mirror
Certainly it would be a strong disappointment if confirmation of the Higgs field was not found - but it is possible.
Like you said, the Higgs is associated more with the standard model (as well theories in inflationary cosmology) than it is with Quantum Mechanics.
Though, if the Higgs is not found at the LHC, then there will probably be only a few possible reactions:
1) we need more energy
2) it doesn't exist
3) keep looking!!!!
I'd imagine a large number of researchers will decide it's #1, but convincing the political leaders of the world of that might be a challenge.
As a side note, if the US ever manages to have the ILC built here (after the royal screwing that came with the canceling of the collider in Texas), one of the suggested places for where specifically is right along I-88 in Illinois, stretching from roughly Dekalb to approx where Fermilab is now. Apparently there is a small section of land on the side of the highway where I believe some kind of line (perhaps electric) runs, and therefore, no one builds on it. However, since the ILC would be underground anyway, they could easily build below the lines, and have a long straight stretch of land to do it on too.
I think the groups have basically been divided on that issue. There are some who have been around for a while who don't expect much confirmation of any of these newer ideas. There are others who have been developing these ideas (like string theorists) who think that within a few months of operation, the LHC will have confirmed numerous predictions (Higgs boson, extra dimensions, super-symmetry, etc).
In any case, I think everyone is in agreement that the LHC is likely going to find something new/unexpected. What that is remains to be seen, but will definately shape the future of these upcoming machines.