Stochastic Gravitational Wave Background generated by Cosmic String Networks

L. Sousa

Abstract.
Cosmic string interactions often result in the formation of cosmic string loops that detach from the long string network, and radiate their energy in the form of gravitational waves. Loop production occurs copiously throughout the cosmological evolution of a cosmic string network and the superimposition of their emissions gives rise to a stochastic gravitational wave background with a characteristic shape. Computations of the this background are often based on the assumption that cosmic string networks experience scale-invariant evolution throughout their evolution. Here, we relax this assumption and demonstrate that it leads to an underestimation of the amplitude and broadness of the characteristic peak of the spectrum, that may consequently lead to inaccurate observational constraints on the cosmic string tension.

IAU Symposium 306: Statistical challenges in 21st century cosmology
Lisbon, Portugal
May 2014

Type: Poster