Physics and Detectors for the International Linear Collider

Development of a precise theory of the electroweak interaction was a great achievement of Twentieth Century physics. The next generation of colliders will address a deeper understanding of underlying principles of Nature. The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) will soon begin operations at CERN and confront the limits of theory at the Terascale. Anticipated new physics will illuminate the fundamental particle properties and the relationships between the observed forces. New symmetries, extra dimensions, and the source of the mysterious dark matter of the cosmos are possible discoveries. The International Linear Collider (ILC) will bring complementary vision to exploration of the Terascale, enabled by the special advantages of an electron-positron collider. This paper presents examples of the physics opportunities of the ILC, describes the advantages of the linear collider experimental environment, and presents some detector developments aimed at enabling this experimental program.