Comparison of cosmic string and superstring models to NANOGrav 12.5-year results

Jose J. Blanco-Pillado, Ken D. Olum, and Jeremy M. Wachter
Phys. Rev. D 103, 103512 – Published 11 May 2021

Abstract

We compare the spectrum of the stochastic gravitational wave background produced in several models of cosmic strings with the common-spectrum process recently reported by NANOGrav. We discuss theoretical uncertainties in computing such a background, and show that despite such uncertainties, cosmic strings remain a good explanation for the potential signal, but the consequences for cosmic string parameters depend on the model. Superstrings could also explain the signal, but only in a restricted parameter space where their network behavior is effectively identical to that of ordinary cosmic strings.

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  • Received 22 February 2021
  • Accepted 8 April 2021

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.103.103512

© 2021 American Physical Society

Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

Gravitation, Cosmology & Astrophysics

Authors & Affiliations

Jose J. Blanco-Pillado

  • Department of Physics, University of the Basque Country, UPV/EHU, Bilbao, Spain and IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48011, Bilbao, Spain

Ken D. Olum

  • Institute of Cosmology, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155, USA

Jeremy M. Wachter

  • Skidmore College Physics Department, 815 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, New York 12866, USA

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Issue

Vol. 103, Iss. 10 — 15 May 2021

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