Tauheks

Tauheks is a theoretical construct used in speculative physics and science fiction to describe a six-partite bound state arising from a new confining interaction in a hidden sector. The name blends tau, a Greek letter often used in physics to denote time constants or the tau particle, with the root heks, reflecting its proposed six-component nature. In typical sketches, a tauhek is a composite particle formed from six fundamental constituents bound by a novel strong-like force. The total spin and quantum numbers depend on the configuration of constituents; depending on the model, it may be bosonic or fermionic.

The concept sits in the realm of beyond-Standard-Model discussions, where hidden sectors with their own confining dynamics are explored as sources of new phenomena. Tauheks are sometimes treated as potential dark matter candidates or as portals to the visible sector through rare decays or gravity. They are usually described in schematic terms rather than as fully developed theories, and their properties can vary significantly between models.

Phenomenologically, a tauhek would be expected to produce distinctive multi-particle final states in detectors, with correlations among the decay products that reflect its six-component origin. Some versions predict displaced vertices or unusual jet substructure, while others invoke portal interactions that allow decay into familiar Standard Model particles or into invisible components.

Status and reception of tauheks are largely speculative. They have not been observed experimentally and are often used as thought experiments or fiction devices to illustrate ideas about compositeness, hidden sectors, and complex bound states within beyond-Standard-Model frameworks. See also: exotic hadrons, hidden sector, composite dark matter, beyond-Standard-Model theories.