Tachyonic particle production in strongly supercooled phase transitions

Abstract: In strongly supercooled cosmological phase transitions, which generically lead to strong, observable gravitational-wave backgrounds, the scalar field typically transitions to a value well below the minimum of its potential. We study particle production caused by the subsequent evolution of the field. Because some modes feature temporarily tachyonic masses, they can be efficiently produced, and a significant fraction of the energy density released in the phase transition can get converted to particles rather than gradient energy. This has consequences for the shape and amplitude of the gravitational-wave spectrum caused by the interactions in bubbles and sources a new, high-frequency signal. Moreover, it affects the bubble expansion velocity and equation of state, which can facilitate the formation of primordial black holes.