Researchers have put forward a new hypothesis suggesting that gravitational waves generated in the early moments of the Universe’s existence could be responsible for the formation of large cosmic structures. This theory challenges the traditional concept of inflation, which relies on a mysterious quantum field known as Inflaton.
According to the standard model, inflation occurred within a fraction of a second after the Big Bang, expanding the universe by a factor of 1060. This rapid expansion not only enlarged the cosmos but also amplified quantum fluctuations in space-time, which eventually became the building blocks for stars, galaxies, and the cosmic web. However, the exact nature of the Inflaton field remains a mystery as it is unclear what triggered inflation, why it commenced, and how it concluded.
The new model proposed by scientists, which has been published on the arXiv server, outlines how gravitational waves in the early expanding universe could interact and reinforce each other. This interaction, under specific conditions, left imprints in space resembling relic radiation.
Relic radiation, which has been preserved since the Universe’s infancy, contains valuable information about the processes that led to the formation of the initial cosmic structures. While traditional inflation theory accounts for these imprints, the new hypothesis demonstrates that similar outcomes could be achieved without the need for an Inflaton field.
Although the research is in its early stages, the scientists behind the study aim to explore how the structures generated according to their model differ from those predicted by the standard theory. If significant and measurable distinctions are observed, this new hypothesis could represent a crucial advancement in reshaping current understanding of the early Universe.