New sensitivity curves for gravitational-wave signals from cosmological phase transitions

Gravitational waves (GWs) from strong first-order phase transitions (SFOPTs) in the early Universe are a prime target for upcoming GW experiments. In this paper, I construct novel peak-integrated sensitivity curves (PISCs) these experiments, which faithfully represent their projected sensitivities to signal cosmological SFOPT by explicitly taking into account expected shape of signal. Designed be handy tool phenomenologists and model builders, PISCs allow quick systematic comparison theoretical predictions with experimental sensitivities, as illustrate large range examples. also offer several advantages over conventional power-law-integrated (PLISCs); particular, they directly encode information on signal-to-noise ratio SFOPT. provide semianalytical fit functions exact numerical LISA, DECIGO, BBO. an appendix, moreover present detailed review strain noise power spectra number The results all PISCs, PLISCs, presented paper can downloaded Zenodo online repository [https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.3689582]. companion [1909.11356], concept is used perform in-depth study transition real-scalar-singlet extension standard model. will need updated whenever new become available. PISC approach therefore suited bookkeeping keep track progress field.