Quark-Lepton Symmetry

Abstract

Quark-lepton symmetric models are a class of gauge theories motivated by the similarities between the quarks and leptons. In these models the gauge group of the standard model is extended to include a ``color'' group for the leptons. Consequently, the quarks and leptons can then be related by a $Z_2$ discrete quark-lepton symmetry which is spontaneously broken by the vacuum. Models utilizing quark-lepton symmetry with acceptable and interesting collider phenomenology have been constructed. The cosmological consequences of these models are also discussed.