Primordial Gravitational Waves and the local B-mode polarization of the CMB

TL;DR

This paper discusses the potential detection of primordial gravitational waves through the local B-mode polarization of the CMB, highlighting different sources and their unique spectral features.

Contribution

It analyzes the prospects of detecting and distinguishing multiple primordial gravitational wave backgrounds via CMB B-mode polarization.

Findings

Different GW backgrounds have distinct spectral signatures.

Local B-mode polarization can potentially identify specific GW sources.

Detection prospects depend on the sensitivity of future CMB experiments.

Abstract

A stochastic background of primordial gravitational waves could be detected soon in the polarization of the CMB and/or with laser interferometers. There are at least three GWB coming from inflation: those produced during inflation and associated with the stretching of space-time modes; those produced at the violent stage of preheating after inflation; and those associated with the self-ordering of Goldstone modes if inflation ends via a global symmetry breaking scenario, like in hybrid inflation. Each GW background has its own characteristic spectrum with specific features. We discuss the prospects for detecting each GWB and distinguishing between them with a very sensitive probe, the local B-mode of CMB polarization.