Gravitational waves from a first-order phase transition of the inflaton

Abstract

We explore the production of gravitational waves (GW) resulting from a first-order phase transition (FOPT) in a non-minimally coupled `Dark Higgs Inflation' model. Utilizing a dark sector scalar field as the inflaton, we demonstrate how inflationary dynamics naturally set the stage for observable FOPT. These transitions, influenced by thermal and quantum effects, generate GW spectra potentially detectable by observatories such as LISA, DECIGO, the Cosmic Explorer and the Einstein Telescope. Our study highlights the inflaton's dual role in cosmic inflation and early Universe phase transitions, presenting a unified framework to probe physics beyond the Standard Model through gravitational wave astronomy.