We present the first complete next-to-next-to-leading order analysis of the Standard Model Higgs potential. We computed the two-loop QCD and Yukawa corrections to the relation between the Higgs quartic coupling (λ) and the Higgs mass (M h ), reducing the theoretical uncertainty in the determination of the critical value of M h for vacuum stability to 1 GeV. While λ at the Planck scale is remarkably close to zero, absolute stability of the Higgs potential is excluded at 98% C.L. for M h < 126 GeV. Possible consequences of the near vanishing of λ at the Planck scale, including speculations about the role of the Higgs field during inflation, are discussed.

Centre d'études et d'expertise sur les risques, l'environnement, la mobilité et l'aménagement

No abstract

No abstract