Gravitational waves from a first-order phase transition of the inflaton

TL;DR

This paper investigates how a first-order phase transition in a dark sector inflation model can produce gravitational waves detectable by future observatories, linking early Universe physics with gravitational wave astronomy.

Contribution

It introduces a non-minimally coupled Dark Higgs Inflation model where inflationary dynamics naturally lead to observable gravitational waves from phase transitions.

Findings

GW spectra potentially detectable by LISA, DECIGO, Cosmic Explorer, Einstein Telescope

Inflaton's dual role in inflation and phase transitions

Unified framework for probing beyond Standard Model physics

Abstract

We explore the production of gravitational waves (GW) resulting from a first-order phase transition (FOPT) in a non-minimally coupled `Dark Higgs Inflation' model. Utilizing a dark sector scalar field as the inflaton, we demonstrate how inflationary dynamics naturally set the stage for observable FOPT. These transitions, influenced by thermal and quantum effects, generate GW spectra potentially detectable by observatories such as LISA, DECIGO, the Cosmic Explorer and the Einstein Telescope. Our study highlights the inflaton's dual role in cosmic inflation and early Universe phase transitions, presenting a unified framework to probe physics beyond the Standard Model through gravitational wave astronomy.