English

Inflationary Phase Transitions in the Early Universe: A Bayesian Study with Space-Based Gravitational Waves Detectors

Cosmology and Nongalactic Astrophysics 2026-03-24 v1 High Energy Physics - Phenomenology

Abstract

Phase transitions during inflation can generate a stochastic gravitational-wave background that probes primordial physics. We study the detectability and parameter reconstruction of such a signal with a space-based gravitational-wave detector. Using a Taiji-like mission as a benchmark, we construct a realistic data-analysis framework that includes instrumental noise, astrophysical foregrounds and backgrounds, and the AA, EE, and TT time-delay interferometry channels. The target signal is described in a minimal, model-independent form and analyzed using both Fisher-matrix forecasts and Bayesian inference with nested sampling. We quantify detection significance and parameter-recovery thresholds, showing that while detection is achievable at moderate signal-to-noise ratios, stronger signals provide more reliable parameter reconstruction. These results offer a realistic assessment of the capability of future space-based missions to probe phase transitions during inflation through stochastic gravitational radiation.

Keywords

Cite

@article{arxiv.2603.21762,
  title  = {Inflationary Phase Transitions in the Early Universe: A Bayesian Study with Space-Based Gravitational Waves Detectors},
  author = {Qingyuan Liang and Chen Yang and Haipeng An and Huai-Ke Guo},
  journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2603.21762},
  year   = {2026}
}

Comments

2 figures, 3 tables