LEP data, cancellation of quadratic divergences and new physics

Abstract

Combined data from the LEP experiments are used to analyze the minimal standard model of electroweak interactions augmented by the request of cancellation of the quadratic divergences at the one loop level. Possible bounds on the Higgs boson mass are discussed. It is pointed out however and shown with few examples that new physics could affect the cancellation already at the one loop level, substantially altering these bounds without largely modifying the prediction form t .