Primordial black holes: constraints, potential evidence and prospects

Rivista Del Nuovo Cimento 2026 Open access

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Authors: B. Carr, Antonio J. Iovino, Gabriele Perna, Ville Vaskonen, Hardi Veermäe
DOI: 10.1007/s40766-026-00080-z
Cited by: 17
References: 394

Abstract

Abstract Primordial black holes (PBHs) may have formed in the early Universe and may account for all or part of the dark matter. In this review, we summarize the current observational constraints on PBHs across the full mass range, highlight potential evidence for their existence, and outline the prospects for future searches, particularly with gravitational-wave observatories. We also discuss different PBH formation scenarios, identify the corresponding mass functions, and present the observational constraints in each case.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Pulsars and Gravitational Waves Research Cosmology and Gravitation Theories Astronomy and Astrophysical Research

Publication details

Journal / source
Rivista Del Nuovo Cimento
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Volume
49
Issue
5
Pages
225–274
Publication date
31 March 2026
Language
EN