Scalar-induced gravitational wave interpretation of PTA data: the role of scalar fluctuation propagation speed

Pulsar timing arrays gathered evidence of the presence of a gravitational wave background around nHz frequencies. If the gravitational wave background was induced by large and Gaussian primordial fluctuations, they would then produce too many sub-solar mass primordial black holes. We show that if at the time of gravitational wave generation the universe was dominated by a canonical scalar field, with the same equation of state as standard radiation but a higher propagation speed of fluctuations, one can explain the gravitational wave background with a primordial black hole counterpart consistent with observations. Lastly, we discuss possible ways to test this model with future gravitational wave detectors.

Automated summary

Pulsar timing arrays have gathered evidence of a gravitational wave background at nHz frequencies. By studying the relationship between the gravitational wave background and primordial black holes, this phenomenon can be explained. Future gravitational wave detectors can be used to test this model.