GRAVITATIONAL WAVES, DARK ENERGY AND INFLATION

Abstract

In this paper we first present a complete classification of gravitational waves according to their frequencies: (i) Ultra high frequency band (above 1 THz); (ii) Very high frequency band (100 kHz–1 THz); (iii) High frequency band (10 Hz–100 kHz); (iv) Middle frequency band (0.1 Hz–10 Hz); (v) Low frequency band (100 nHz–0.1 Hz); (vi) Very low frequency band (300 pHz–100 nHz); (vii) Ultra low frequency band (10 fHz–300 pHz); (viii) Hubble (extremely low) frequency band (1 aHz–10 fHz); (ix) Infra-Hubble frequency band (below 1 aHz). After briefly discussing the method of detection for different frequency bands, we review the concept and status of space gravitational-wave missions — LISA, ASTROD, ASTROD-GW, Super-ASTROD, DECIGO and Big Bang Observer. We then address to the determination of dark energy equation, and probing the inflationary physics using space gravitational wave detectors.