Abstract
We discuss how the non-minimal coupling ξφ2R between the inflaton and the Ricci scalar affects the predictions of single field inflation models where the inflaton has a non-zero vacuum expectation value (VEV) v after inflation. We show that, for inflaton values both above the VEV and below the VEV during inflation, under certain conditions the inflationary predictions become approximately the same as the predictions of the Starobinsky model. We then analyze inflation with double-well and Coleman-Weinberg potentials in detail, displaying the regions in the v-ξ plane for which the spectral index ns and the tensor-to-scalar ratio r values are compatible with the current observations. r is always larger than 0.002 in these regions. Finally, we consider the effect of ξ on small field inflation (hilltop) potentials.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 046 |
Journal | Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics |
Volume | 2018 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 16 May 2018 |
Externally published | Yes |
Bibliographical note
Publisher Copyright:© 2018 IOP Publishing Ltd and Sissa Medialab.
Keywords
- ination
- physics of the early universe