Abstract

An extension of the Starobinsky model is proposed. Besides the usual Starobinsky Lagrangian, a term proportional to the derivative of the scalar curvature, ∇μR∇μR, is considered. The analyzis is done in the Einstein frame with the introduction of a scalar field and a vector field. We show that inflation is attainable in our model, allowing for a graceful exit. We also build the cosmological perturbations and obtain the leading-order curvature power spectrum, scalar and tensor tilts and tensor-to-scalar ratio. The tensor and curvature power spectrums are compared to the most recent observations from BICEP2/Keck collaboration. We verify that the scalar-to-tensor rate r can be expected to be up to three times the values predicted by Starobinsky model.

Highlights

  • As is well known, the Starobinsky model is currently the most promising one for describing the cosmological inflation [1]

  • In order to generalize the f (R) models in the inflationary context other categories of modified gravity theories are taken into account, for instance those with Lagrangians containing the Gauss-Bonnet invariant and/or the Weyl tensor [34,35,36,37,38,39,40]. Some applications considering both inflationary scalar field and modified theory of gravity can be found in the literature [41,42,43,44] with some interesting results, e.g. vector fields contribution should no longer be ignored in the presence of a Weyl term in the Lagrangian [45]

  • Among the class of minimalist inflationary models, i.e. those composed of a single parameter [73], Starobinsky inflation is the one that best fits the observations of the CMB anisotropies [32]

Read more

Summary

INTRODUCTION

The Starobinsky model is currently the most promising one for describing the cosmological inflation [1]. In order to generalize the f (R) models in the inflationary context other categories of modified gravity theories are taken into account, for instance those with Lagrangians containing the Gauss-Bonnet invariant and/or the Weyl tensor [34,35,36,37,38,39,40] Some applications considering both inflationary scalar field and modified theory of gravity can be found in the literature [41,42,43,44] with some interesting results, e.g. vector fields contribution should no longer be ignored in the presence of a (square) Weyl term in the Lagrangian [45].

MODIFIED GRAVITY ACTION
R2 2κ0
Φ 3 MP l ρ
COSMOLOGICAL BACKGROUND EQUATIONS
Φξ0 ξ0
Slow-roll regime and the end of inflation
Approximated equations in the attractor region: inflationary regime
PERTURBED COSMOLOGICAL EQUATIONS
Scalar equations
Vector and tensor equations
Scalar solutions
Vector and tensor solutions
CONSTRAINING THE COSMOLOGICAL PARAMETERS
DISCUSSION

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.