massors

Massors are a term used in speculative physics to describe hypothetical bosons proposed as mediators of inertial mass for matter fields. In these models, massors play a role akin to the Higgs boson but arise from a distinct mechanism or sector.

Origin of term: The word massor is coined in theoretical papers to evoke "mass carriers." The concept is used mainly in non-mainstream or exploratory frameworks seeking alternatives or extensions to the Standard Model.

Theoretical framework: In massor-based models, mass is generated when fermions couple to a massor field, which may be scalar, vector, or tensor. Massors may be part of a hidden sector, possibly interacting weakly with Standard Model particles through portal couplings. Some variants posit multiple massors with a spectrum of masses, while others feature a single light mediator.

Phenomenology: If massors exist, they could produce novel resonances or modify production rates in high-energy collisions. Signatures could include deviations in Higgs coupling measurements, invisible decays, or new long-lived particles. Constraints come from collider experiments, astrophysical observations, and precision tests, which currently place limits on mass or coupling strength.

Status and outlook: Massors are speculative and not supported by experimental evidence to date. They are discussed mainly within theoretical research exploring alternatives to the Higgs mechanism and the origin of mass. Future colliders and precision measurements could further probe such scenarios.