Another potential avenue for explaining the universe’s early state-reheating it to extremely high temperatures after inflation-also presents difficulties. Most theoretical models do not permit reheating temperatures exceeding the Planck scale, and observational evidence suggests this did not occur.
Taken together, these considerations lead to a critically important conclusion: if the CGB is real and is detected, than the prevailing model of inflation, as currently understood, did not happen.
Future Implications of CGB Detection
The detection of the CGB would represent a monumental achievement in physics, perhaps invalidating the current inflationary paradigm. Such a finding would offer scientists an unprecedented possibility to study the universe in its nascent stages, specifically at an age less than a trillionth of a trillionth of a second after its inception.
Moreover, a confirmed CGB signal would provide novel avenues for testing theories of quantum gravity and could shed light on whether the universe originated from a singular “bang” or from a “bounce,” as proposed by researchers like Loeb.
While the observational challenges are significant, the potential scientific rewards are immense.
