Title: Gravitational wave anisotropies as a probe of the early universe

Abstract: Stochastic gravitational wave backgrounds (SGWB) can be generated by a variety of processes in the early universe, most notably inflation. These backgrounds are characterized by their spectral shape, polarization, (non-)Gaussianity and anisotropies. In this talk I will discuss the possibility of using gravitational wave anisotropies to extract information about the early universe. I will first review the theoretical framework for describing cosmological GW background anisotropies and highlight some important recent developments in the field. I will then show how gravitational wave anisotropies could be used to constrain primordial ultra-squeezed non-Gaussianity in the tensor sector and potentially probe the inflationary particle content. Finally, I will discuss a possible scenario where certain features in the induced SGWB spectrum can enhance the anisotropies and lead to observable signatures.
This talk is mainly based on arxiv:2012.03498, 2109.03077 and 2203.xxxxx.