In a groundbreaking scientific endeavor spearheaded by physicists at Monash University, a pioneering exploration into the fundamental physics of the universe has unfolded. Chronicled in a seminal international review published in Progress in Particle and Nuclear Physics, this research marks a significant leap forward after nearly a decade of dedicated work by scientists at the School of Physics and Astronomy within Monash University's Faculty of Science.
The focus of this innovative work revolves around gravitational waves, a phenomenon only recently detected for the first time. This discovery presents a thrilling opportunity to unravel the enigmas of particle physics, specifically through the lens of first-order phase transitions (FOPTs) in the early cosmos. FOPTs, occurring when new fundamental symmetries break down to the standard model, play a pivotal role in addressing fundamental cosmic puzzles such as the matter-antimatter asymmetry and mysteries of the dark sector, encompassing dark matter and dark forces.
Lead review author Ph.D. candidate Lachlan Morris and his fellow researchers embarked on a comprehensive journey, meticulously reviewing the intricate process leading from particle physics models to observable gravitational waves induced by vacuum decays during FOPTs.
“Our work serves as a comprehensive guide for particle physicists to explore the exciting realm of GW phenomenology,” expressed Morris. “Understanding FOPTs is crucial for unraveling the mysteries of our universe.”
The review, co-authored by Professor Csaba Balazs, sheds light on the intricate steps of this complex process, encompassing the construction of effective potentials, analysis of transition rates, and prediction of gravitational wave spectra.
“We're on the brink of a new era in gravitational wave astronomy,” proclaimed Professor Balazs. “The future holds immense potential for space- and ground-based detectors to reveal unseen phenomena, potentially emanating from FOPTs.”
Delving into the specifics, the review outlines the nuanced journey from a particle physics model to gravitational waves, highlighting specialized components such as building a finite-temperature effective potential, computing transition rates, analyzing the dynamics of vacuum bubbles, characterizing transitions, and predicting gravitational wave spectra.
“For each step, the review emphasizes the subtleties, advantages, and drawbacks of different methods, reviewing the state-of-the-art approaches available in the literature,” explained Professor Balazs.
“This provides everything a particle physicist needs to begin exploring GW phenomenology,” he added.
Reflecting on nearly a decade since the revolutionary detection of gravitational waves, the review underscores the transformative impact of ground-based detectors on our understanding of the cosmos. However, it anticipates an even more extraordinary era with space-based detectors, holding the promise of unlocking the secrets of new physics beyond the standard model. This groundbreaking work at Monash University not only pushes the boundaries of our comprehension of the universe but also paves the way for future revelations in the realm of gravitational wave astronomy.
Source: Monash University