Talk:Supersymmetry algebra
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A gentler intro
[edit]I appreciate all the hard work that has gone into writing this article, but I wonder if it would be possible for someone to write a more accessible introduction so that the article is more understandable for non-experts. I should note that I have a PhD in quantum electronics and I'm currently writing a textbook on computational techniques for semiconductor nanostructure simulations so I'm not a complete novice in physics! However, I'm afraid that I find the article very difficult to follow in its current form. I find the old version of the lead much more useful:
- "In theoretical physics, the supersymmetry algebra (or SUSY algebra) is a mathematical formalism for describing the relation between bosons and fermions. In a supersymmetric world, every boson would have a partner fermion of equal rest mass. To explore the consequences of this assertion—and to attempt to explain why the present-day world does not appear supersymmetric—physicists and mathematicians have developed an algebraic method for describing the symmetries involved."
This version allows me to visualise the relevance of the topic, and gives me some insight into what it is without needing to read other articles. Now let's consider the lead sentence in the current version:
- "In theoretical physics, a supersymmetry algebra (or SUSY algebra) is one of the symmetry algebras incorporating supersymmetry, a relation between bosons and fermions, allowed by the Haag–Lopuszanski–Sohnius theorem as supersymmetries of the S-matrix."
From my perspective, I find this pretty difficult... specifically:
- a supersymmetry algebra (or SUSY algebra) is one of the symmetry algebras incorporating supersymmetry: At first glance, this seems tautological, so it doesn't really tell me anything useful without more information!
- a relation between bosons and fermions: What kind of relationship? The old version gave me a little insight into the relationship ("every boson would have a partner fermion of equal rest mass"). The current version really doesn't tell me much about the character of the relationship.
- allowed by the Haag–Lopuszanski–Sohnius theorem: What is this theorem? I shouldn't have to follow any links for the first sentence of the article to make sense. I don't believe that most readers (even with a higher degree in physics) would understand this term.
- as supersymmetries of the S-matrix: But what is a supersymmetry? What is the S-matrix? Again, these are terms that are not familiar to most readers, even those with a higher degree in physics.
Apologies if this sounds quite negative, but this really is an interesting topic and I'd like to understand. Unfortunately, I don't think I'm alone in finding the lead quite impenetrable. Papa November (talk) 14:13, 18 July 2014 (UTC)