Gravitational Waves from Phase Transitions

Abstract

We summarise the physics of first-order phase transitions in the early universe, and the possible ways in which they might come about. We then focus on gravitational waves, emphasising general qualitative features of stochastic backgrounds produced by early universe phase transitions and the cosmology of their present-day appearance. Finally, we conclude by discussing some of the ways in which a stochastic background might be detected.

27 pages, 10 figures; review aimed at advanced undergraduates, accepted for publication in Contemporary Physics. v2: corrected typos and added clarifications to original manuscript; see journal for refereed version with additional minor changes. v3: added previously-embargoed minor changes to wording in Section 1.3

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