Gravitational waves from the early Universe [P. Binetruy, N. Deruelle, D. Steer]

Recently we have been actively involved in studying different primordial sources of gravitational waves - particularly cosmic strings and superstrings, as well as inflation and preheating, and phase transitions. In the case of cosmic strings, we have revisited and improved previous computations, and particularly studied if such sources could be observable by LIGO/VIRGO as well as the modified LISA (ELISA/NGO) mission of ESA. In the case of gravitational waves emitted by cosmic superstrings networks, we have also determined for the first time the effects of 3-way junctions, typical of such networks.