Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: In the standard cosmological paradigm, the gravitational wave (GW) spectrum from a cosmic string network is well defined. However, early-Universe dynamics can significantly alter this relic signal. We systematically investigate how different new physics epochs in the radiation era--including extra relativistic degrees of freedom, early matter domination, intermediate vacuum domination, and kination--modify string network evolution and loop production. We find that a kination era enhances the stochastic GW signal, whereas the other scenarios suppress the signal to varying degrees. We also demonstrate that late-time dynamical dark energy has a negligible impact on the GW spectrum from cosmic strings.
Source: arXiv (Cornell University)
Authors: Hu, Xi-He, Marfatia, Danny, Zhou, Ye-Ling
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
Awards: G2712368410, 大统一理论的唯象学检验, G894152365
OpenAlex ID: W7223045766