Model Discrimination in Gravitational Wave spectra from Dark Phase Transitions

TL;DR

This paper reviews gravitational wave spectra from dark sector phase transitions, classifies models that produce first order transitions, and explores how measurements can distinguish different dark sector models.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive classification of dark sector models leading to gravitational wave signals and analyzes their potential for model discrimination.

Findings

Classification of dark sectors with first order phase transitions.

Numerical analysis of gravitational wave spectra across parameter space.

Identification of scenarios enabling model discrimination through gravitational wave measurements.

Abstract

In anticipation of upcoming gravitational wave experiments, we provide a comprehensive overview of the spectra predicted by phase transitions triggered by states from a large variety of dark sector models. Such spectra are functions of the quantum numbers and (self-) couplings of the scalar that triggers the dark phase transition. We classify dark sectors that give rise to a first order phase transition and perform a numerical scan over the thermal parameter space. We then characterize scenarios in which a measurement of a new source of gravitational waves could allow us to discriminate between models with differing particle content.