From LEP to LHC, a review of results and a look to the future

LEP is today exploring the frontier of high masses searching for new particles predicted by the standard model, such as the Higgs boson, or predicted by the supersymmetric theory, such as charginos or neutralinos. If this search $9 fails, the aim is to put lower limits of the order of 100 GeV on the mass of each of them. At the same time, more and more precise measurements of the Z and W characteristics allow the mass intervals in which these particles can be $9 found to be reduced. The LHC, the future proton-proton collider of CERN, will continue the same searches despite the incredibly more difficult environment, widening the mass interval from 100 to 1000 GeV. For this purpose, the most $9 sophisticated detectors ever designed by physicists are now under construction with the participation of groups from throughout the world. This huge increase of the explored mass range guarantees that, if Higgs bosons and $9 supersymmetric particles are not found, other scenarios must become evident, opening the road to a new and deeper understanding of the structure of matter and forces. (6 refs).