Big Bang Nucleosynthesis Limits and Relic Gravitational-Wave Detection Prospects

We revisit the big bang nucleosynthesis limits on primordial magnetic fields and/or turbulent motions accounting for the decaying nature of turbulent sources between the time of generation and big bang nucleosynthesis. This leads to larger estimates for the gravitational wave signal than previously expected. We address the detection prospects through space-based interferometers and pulsar timing arrays or astrometric missions for gravitational waves generated around the electroweak and quantum chromodynamics energy scale, respectively.

Automated summary

The paper revisits the limits of big bang nucleosynthesis on primordial magnetic fields and/or turbulent motions, taking into account the decaying nature of turbulent sources. This leads to larger estimates for the gravitational wave signal than previously expected.