Thermodynamics and Chemistry of the Early Universe
Stefano Bovino, Daniele Galli
TL;DR
This paper reviews how thermodynamics and chemistry influence the early universe's evolution, focusing on processes that lead to the formation of primordial objects like supermassive black holes.
Contribution
It provides a comprehensive overview of chemical reactions and heating/cooling processes in primordial gas, considering radiation effects relevant to early universe structure formation.
Findings
Key chemical reactions identified in primordial gas
Heating and cooling processes quantified for early universe conditions
Radiation backgrounds significantly impact chemical and thermal evolution
Abstract
The interplay between chemistry and thermodynamics determines the final outcome of the process of gravitational collapse and sets the conditions for the formation of the first cosmological objects, including primordial supermassive black holes. In this chapter, we will review the main chemical reactions and the most important heating/cooling processes taking place in a gas of primordial composition, including the effects of local and cosmological radiation backgrounds.
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