Of Particles and Waves: Interfacing Gravitational Waves Across Scales and Disciplines

by Gianluca Inguglia (HEPHY)

Friday Mar 13, 2026, 11:00 AM → 12:00 PM Europe/Rome

Edificio C - Sala riunioni 250 (INFN - Pisa)

Abstract: 

Since the first direct detection of gravitational waves in 2015, gravitational-wave astronomy has evolved into a precision probe of fundamental physics. In this talk, I present a personal overview of the field at the intersection of particle physics, astrophysics, cosmology, and artificial intelligence.

I will first discuss a question rooted in particle physics: the origin of CP violation and the matter–antimatter asymmetry of the Universe. Many viable baryogenesis scenarios predict first-order cosmological phase transitions in the early Universe, which would generate a stochastic gravitational-wave background potentially observable by next-generation detectors. Gravitational-wave observatories thus offer a novel window onto physics beyond the Standard Model.

I then review key results from the current LIGO–Virgo–KAGRA network, highlighting the most scientifically compelling detections and what population studies of compact binary mergers are revealing about black hole formation channels, neutron-star structure, and cosmic expansion.

Finally, I discuss the next generation of observatories, including the Einstein Telescope, and the increasingly central role of artificial intelligence and machine learning, from real-time signal detection to scalable parameter estimation, in unlocking the full scientific potential of these instruments.

 

Coordinate ZOOM

https://infn-it.zoom.us/j/84261721878?pwd=MDZNaGdBUlcvUUJXa2phSHZVZk5sdz09
ID riunione: 842 6172 1878
Passcode: 611379