Modeling a delayed phase transition in the early universe

Abstract

We use an effective field-theoretical model to describe a QCD-type phase transition in the early universe. It is assumed that the formation of a new phase proceeds via supercooling and thermal activation. A subsequent rolling-down process is characterized by a microscopic time scale of a few . An iterative scheme is formulated where the Hubble parameter is determined self-consistently with the order parameter dynamics. A possibility of a ‘mini-inflation’ scenario is discussed critically. On the macroscopic scale (μs) the delayed phase transition is described dynamically by solving the Friedman equations. The evolution through the mixed phase after supercooling/reheating is considered and the entropy generated in this process is estimated.