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    Inflationary phase transitions in the early Universe: A Bayesian study with space-based gravitational-wave detectors

    Qingyuan Liang1,2, Chen Yang1,2,3,*, Haipeng An3,4,†, and Huai-Ke Guo1,2,‡

    • *Contact author: yangchen26@ucas.ac.cn
    • †Contact author: anhp@mail.tsinghua.edu.cn
    • ‡Contact author: guohuaike@ucas.ac.cn

    Phys. Rev. D 114, 023025 – Published 16 July, 2026

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/h3mz-cckw

    Abstract

    Inflationary phase transitions can generate a stochastic gravitational-wave background that probes primordial physics. We study the detectability and parameter reconstruction of such a signal with a space-based gravitational-wave detector. Using a Taiji-like mission as a benchmark, we construct a realistic data-analysis framework that includes instrumental noise, astrophysical foregrounds and backgrounds, and the A, E, and T time-delay interferometry channels. The target signal is described in a minimal, model-independent form and analyzed using both Fisher-matrix forecasts and Bayesian inference with nested sampling. We quantify detection significance and parameter-recovery thresholds, showing that, while detection is achievable at moderate signal-to-noise ratios, stronger signals provide more reliable parameter reconstruction. These results offer a realistic assessment of the capability of future space-based missions to probe inflationary phase transitions through stochastic gravitational radiation.

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