Exploring models of supergravity grand unification with LHC and dark matter phenomenology

Abstract

Beginning with a review of the Standard Model of particle physics, as well as supersymmetry and supergravity, we explore the phenomenology of models built in the framework of supergravity grand unification. The models are studied by considering results from prominent experiments such as the search for exotic particles with the Large Hadron Collider, satellite telescopes that determine the anisotropy in the cosmic microwave background, and terrestrial searches for dark matter. In particular, the discovery and mass measurement of the Higgs boson is used to consider the implications for naturalness and discovery prospects of supergravity models.