Detecting parity violation from axion inflation with third generation detectors

TL;DR

This paper explores how third-generation gravitational wave detectors can constrain models of axion inflation that produce circularly polarized gravitational waves due to parity violation in the early universe.

Contribution

It assesses the potential of Einstein Telescope and Cosmic Explorer to detect parity-violating signals from axion inflation, a novel application for these detectors.

Findings

Third-generation detectors can significantly constrain parity violation in axion inflation.

Detection prospects depend on the strength of the gravitational wave background.

Results highlight the importance of advanced detectors for early universe cosmology.

Abstract

A gravitational wave background is expected to emerge from the superposition of numerous gravitational wave sources of both astrophysical and cosmological origin. A number of cosmological models can have a parity violation, resulting in the generation of circularly polarised gravitational waves. We investigate the constraining power of third generation Einstein Telescope and Cosmic Explorer detectors, for a gravitational wave background generated by early universe axion inflation.