Abstract

Recent cosmological observations indicate the existence of extra light species, i.e., dark radiation. In this paper we show that signatures of the dark radiation are imprinted in the spectrum of inflationary gravitational waves. If the dark radiation is produced by the decay of a massive particle, high frequency mode of the gravitational waves are suppressed. In addition, due to the effect of the anisotropic stress caused by the dark radiation, a dip in the gravitational wave spectrum may show up at the frequency which enters the horizon at the time of the dark radiation production. Once the gravitational wave spectrum is experimentally studied in detail, we can infer the information on how and when the dark radiation was produced in the Universe.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.