Relic gravitational waves in the expanding Universe

Abstract

In this thesis, we have reviewed how the expansion of the Universe amplifies the quantum vacuum fluctuations, and how the relic GWs spectrum is related with the scale factor. We have evaluated the spectrum in different scenarios: a model of expanding universe with an era dominated by mini black holes and radiation right after the inflation and a model with an era of accelerated expansion right after the radiation era. Next, we have applied the generalized second law of thermodynamics to the latter model. Finally, we have extended the GSL study to a single stage universe model dominated by dark energy (either phantom or not).