How did the universe begin? This question intrigues many scientists, and recently, a new model has been proposed. In a paper published in Physical Review Letters, researchers suggest that the universe’s first rapid expansion, known as inflation, happened in a warm environment filled with familiar particles. This idea changes the way we think about the early moments of the universe.
According to experts, the strong force, a key player in the Standard Model of particle physics, helps us understand what happened during the universe’s first seconds. Traditionally, it’s believed that the universe started cold and empty, needing a special process to create the hot plasma we observe after the Big Bang. The new model offers a fresh perspective on warm inflation, which could help bridge gaps in our understanding.
“Our study opens up a new pathway to warm inflation,” says Sebastian Zell from the Max Planck Institute for Physics. He believes that, even as the universe expanded, it might have been surrounded by a heat source made of known particles. This approach is exciting because it relies mostly on established concepts in physics, allowing scientists to investigate the universe’s early moments right from Earth.
However, there’s a twist. This model requires extending the current Standard Model. Gluons, the particles that carry the strong force, would connect with hypothetical axion-like particles, providing enough energy to maintain the warm inflation scenario. Zell explains, “This coupling would heat the expanding universe, making warm inflation possible.”
Interestingly, axions are not just theoretical – they could help solve mysteries in particle physics, including dark matter. Many experiments are underway to find these elusive particles. One notable project is MADMAX, where scientists are exploring these concepts further. Zell highlights, “With the ongoing research, we have a strong chance of testing warm inflation in future experiments.”
Incorporating these insights sheds light on how our understanding of the universe continues to evolve. As scientists refine their theories, they open doors to new discoveries that may reshape our understanding of the cosmos.
For more details, see the original study by Kim V. Berghaus et al. titled “Warm Inflation with the Standard Model” in Physical Review Letters (2025) here.
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