Non-canonical Kinetic Term Research Articles

δN formalism from superpotential and holography

We consider the superpotential formalism to describe the evolution of D scalar fields during inflation, generalizing it to include the case with non-canonical kinetic terms. We provide a characterization of the attractor behaviour of the background evolution in terms of first and second slow-roll parameters (which need not be small). We find that the superpotential is useful in justifying the separate universe approximation from the gradient expansion, and also in computing the spectra of primordial perturbations around attractor solutions in the δN formalism. As an application, we consider a class of models where the background trajectories for the inflaton fields are derived from a product separable superpotential. In the perspective of the holographic inflation scenario, such models are dual to a deformed CFT boundary theory, with D mutually uncorrelated deformation operators. We compute the bulk power spectra of primordial adiabatic and entropy cosmological perturbations, and show that the results agree with the ones obtained by using conformal perturbation theory in the dual picture.

Inflationary quasiscale-invariant attractors

In a series of recent papers Kallosh, Linde, and collaborators have provided a unified description of single-field inflation with several types of potentials, ranging from power law to supergravity, in terms of just one parameter $\alpha$. These so-called $\alpha$-attractors predict a spectral index $n_{s}$ and a tensor-to-scalar ratio $r$, which are fully compatible with the latest Planck data. The only common feature of all $\alpha$-attractors is a non-canonical kinetic term with a pole, and a potential analytic around the pole. In this paper, starting from the same Einstein frame with a non-canonical scalar kinetic energy, we explore the case of non-analytic potentials. We find the functional form that corresponds to quasi-scale invariant gravitational models in the Jordan frame, characterised by a universal relation between $r$ and $n_{s}$ that fits the observational data but is clearly distinct from the one of the $\alpha$-attractors. It is known that the breaking of the exact classical scale-invariance in the Jordan frame can be attributed to one-loop corrections. Therefore we conclude that there exists a class of non-analytic potentials in the non-canonical Einstein frame that are physically equivalent to a class of models in the Jordan frame, with scale-invariance softly broken by one-loop quantum corrections.

An exotic k-essence interpretation of interactive cosmological models

We define a generalization of scalar fields with non-canonical kinetic term which we call exotic k-essence or briefly, exotik. These fields are generated by the global description of cosmological models with two interactive fluids in the dark sector and under certain conditions, they correspond to usual k-essences. The formalism is applied to the cases of constant potential and of inverse square potential and also we develop the purely exotik version for the modified holographic Ricci type of dark energy (MHR), where the equations of state are not constant. With the kinetic function $F=1+mx$ and the inverse square potential we recover, through the interaction term, the identification between k-essences and quintessences of exponential potential, already known for Friedmann-Robertson-Walker and Bianchi type I geometries. Worked examples are shown that include the self-interacting MHR and also models with crossing of the phantom divide line (PDL).

Multifield dynamics in Higgs-otic inflation

In Higgs-otic inflation a complex neutral scalar combination of the $h^0$ and $H^0$ MSSM Higgs fields plays the role of inflaton in a chaotic fashion. The potential is protected from large trans-Planckian corrections at large inflaton if the system is embedded in string theory so that the Higgs fields parametrize a D-brane position. The inflaton potential is then given by a DBI+CS D-brane action yielding an approximate linear behaviour at large field. The inflaton scalar potential is a 2-field model with specific non-canonical kinetic terms. Previous computations of the cosmological parameters (i.e. scalar and tensor perturbations) did not take into account the full 2-field character of the model, ignoring in particular the presence of isocurvature perturbations and their coupling to the adiabatic modes. It is well known that for generic 2-field potentials such effects may significantly alter the observational signatures of a given model. We perform a full analysis of adiabatic and isocurvature perturbations in the Higgs-otic 2-field model. We show that the predictivity of the model is increased compared to the adiabatic approximation. Isocurvature perturbations moderately feed back into adiabatic fluctuations. However, the isocurvature component is exponentially damped by the end of inflation. The tensor to scalar ratio varies in a region $r=0.08-0.12$, consistent with combined Planck/BICEP results.

Gravity of a noncanonical global monopole: conical topology and compactification

We obtain solutions of Einstein's equations describing gravitational field outside a noncanonical global monopole with cosmological constant. In particular, we consider two models of k-monopoles: the Dirac-Born-Infeld (DBI) and the power-law types, and study their corresponding exterior gravitational fields. For each model we found two types of solutions. The first of which are global k-monopole black hole with conical global topology. These are generalizations of the Barriola-Vilenkin solution of global monopole. The appearance of noncanonical kinetic terms does not modify the critical symmetry-breaking scale, $\eta_{crit}$, but it does affect the corresponding horizon(s). The second type of solution is compactification, whose topology is a product of two $2$-dimensional spaces with constant curvatures; ${\mathcal Y}_4\rightarrow {\mathcal Z}_2\times S^2$, with ${\mathcal Y}, {\mathcal Z}$ can be de Sitter, Minkowski, or Anti-de Sitter, and $S^2$ is the $2$-sphere. We investigate all possible compactifications and show that the nonlinearity of kinetic terms opens up new channels which are otherwise non-existent. For $\Lambda=0$ four-dimensional geometry, we conjecture that these compactification channels are their (possible) non-static super-critical states, right before they undergo topological inflation.

On the localisation of four-dimensional brane-world black holes: II. The general case

We perform a comprehensive analysis of a number of scalar field theories in an attempt to find analytically five-dimensional, localised-on-the-brane, black-hole solutions. Extending a previous analysis, we assume a generalised Vaidya ansatz for the five-dimensional metric tensor that allows for a time-dependent, non-trivial profile of the mass function in terms of the bulk coordinate and a deviation from the over-restricting Schwarzschild-type solution on the brane. In order to support such a solution, we study a variety of theories including single or multiple scalar fields, with canonical or non-canonical kinetic terms, minimally or non-minimally coupled to gravity. We demonstrate that for such a metric ansatz and for a carefully chosen energy-momentum tensor which is non-isotropic in five dimensions, solutions that have the form of a Schwarzschild–(anti)de Sitter or Reissner–Nordstrom type of solution do emerge. However, the resulting profile of the mass function along the bulk coordinate, when allowed, is not the correct one for eliminating bulk singularities.

Pole inflation — Shift symmetry and universal corrections

An appealing explanation for the Planck data is provided by inflationary models with a singular non-canonical kinetic term: a Laurent expansion of the kinetic function translates into a potential with a nearly shift-symmetric plateau in canonical fields. The shift symmetry can be broken at large field values by including higher-order poles, which need to be hierarchically suppressed in order not to spoil the inflationary plateau. The herefrom resulting corrections to the inflationary dynamics and predictions are shown to be universal at lowest order and possibly to induce power loss at large angular scales. At lowest order there are no corrections from a pole of just one order higher and we argue that this phenomenon is related to the well-known extended no-scale structure arising in string theory scenarios. Finally, we outline which other corrections may arise from string loop effects.

Large tensor mode, field range bound and consistency in generalized G-inflation

We systematically show that in potential driven generalized G-inflation models, quantum corrections coming from new physics at the strong coupling scale can be avoided, while producing observable tensor modes. The effective action can be approximated by the tree level action, and as a result, these models are internally consistent, despite the fact that we introduced new mass scales below the energy scale of inflation. Although observable tensor modes are produced with sub-strong coupling scale field excursions, this is not an evasion of the Lyth bound, since the models include higher-derivative non-canonical kinetic terms, and effective rescaling of the field would result in super-Planckian field excursions. We argue that the enhanced kinetic term of the inflaton screens the interactions with other fields, keeping the system weakly coupled during inflation.

Gravitational constant in multiple field gravity

In the present study, we consider general form of the Lagrangian f(R, ϕI, X) , that is a function of the Ricci scalar, multiple scalar fields and non-canonical kinetic terms. We obtain the effective Newton's constant deep inside the Hubble radius. We use Jordan and Einstein frames, and study the conservation of energy-momentum tensor.

Unification of inflation and dark energyà laquintessential inflation

This pedagogical review is devoted to quintessential inflation, which refers to unification of inflation and dark energy using a single scalar field. We present a brief but concise description of the concepts needed to join the two ends, which include discussion on scalar field dynamic, conformal coupling, instant preheating and relic gravitational waves. Models of quintessential inflation broadly fall into two classes, depending upon the early and late time behavior of the field potential. In the first type we include models in which the field potential is steep for most of the history of the universe but turn shallow at late times, whereas in the second type the potential is shallow at early times followed by a steep behavior thereafter. In models of the first category inflation can be realized by invoking high-energy brane-induced damping, which is needed to facilitate slow roll along a steep potential. In models of second type one may invoke a nonminimal coupling of the scalar field with massive neutrino matter, which might induce a minimum in the potential at late times as neutrinos turn nonrelativistic. In this category we review a class of models with noncanonical kinetic term in the Lagrangian, which can comply with recent B mode polarization measurements. The scenario under consideration is distinguished by the presence of a kinetic phase, which precedes the radiative regime, giving rise to blue spectrum of gravity waves generated during inflation. We highlight the generic features of quintessential inflation and also discuss on issues related to Lyth bound.

Cosmic acceleration in non-canonical scalar field model: an interacting scenario

In this paper we have studied the dynamics of accelerating scenario within the framework of scalar field models possessing a non-canonical kinetic term. In this toy model, the scalar field is allowed to interact with the dark matter component through a source term. We have assumed a specific form for the coupling term and then have studied the dynamics of the scalar field having a constant equation of state parameter. We have also carried out the dynamical system study of such interacting non-canonical scalar field models for power law potentials for some physically relevant specific values of the model parameters. It has been found that the only for two particular stable fixed points of the system, an accelerating solution is possible and the universe will settle down to a $\Lambda$CDM universe in future and thus there is no future singularity in this model.

Evading Lyth bound in models of quintessential inflation

Quintessential inflation refers to an attempt to unify inflation and late-time cosmic acceleration using a single scalar field. In this letter we consider two different classes of quintessential inflation, one of which is based upon a Lagrangian with non-canonical kinetic term k2(ϕ)∂μϕ∂μϕ and a steep exponential potential while the second class uses the concept of steep brane world inflation. We show that in both cases the Lyth bound can be evaded, despite the large tensor-to-scalar ratio of perturbations. The post-inflationary dynamics is consistent with nucleosynthesis constraint in these cases.

Causal structures in Gauss-Bonnet gravity

We analyze causal structures in Gauss-Bonnet gravity. It is known that Gauss-Bonnet gravity potentially has superluminal propagation of gravitons due to its noncanonical kinetic terms. In a theory with superluminal modes, an analysis of causality based on null curves makes no sense, and thus, we need to analyze them in a different way. In this paper, using the method of the characteristics, we analyze the causal structure in Gauss-Bonnet gravity. We have the result that, on a Killing horizon, gravitons can propagate in the null direction tangent to the Killing horizon. Therefore, a Killing horizon can be a causal edge as in the case of general relativity; i.e. a Killing horizon is the ``event horizon'' in the sense of causality. We also analyze causal structures on nonstationary solutions with $(D\ensuremath{-}2)$-dimensional maximal symmetry, including spherically symmetric and flat spaces. If the geometrical null energy condition, ${R}_{AB}{N}^{A}{N}^{B}\ensuremath{\ge}0$ for any null vector ${N}^{A}$, is satisfied, the radial velocity of gravitons must be less than or equal to that of light. However, if the geometrical null energy condition is violated, gravitons can propagate faster than light. Hence, on an evaporating black hole where the geometrical null energy condition is expected not to hold, classical gravitons can escape from the ``black hole'' defined with null curves. That is, the causal structures become nontrivial. It may be one of the possible solutions for the information loss paradox of evaporating black holes.

Chaotic inflation and unitarity problem

We consider a general chaotic inflation model with non-canonical kinetic term, resulting in attractor solutions for the inflation of quadratic or other monomial type. In particular, the form of the kinetic term and the potential is fixed due to the requirement that the inflation model is a quadratic form in the large field values of the inflaton. We show that a large coupling in the non-canonical kinetic term allows for the slow-roll inflation with sub-Planckian field values of the inflaton and the successful predictions of the quadratic or other monomial type chaotic inflation in light of BICEP2 results are maintained in our model. We find that due to the large rescaling of the inflaton field in the vacuum, there is no unitarity problem below the Planck scale.

Power spectra beyond the slow roll approximation in theories with non-canonical kinetic terms

We derive analytical expressions for the power spectra at the end of inflation in theories with two inflaton fields and non-canonical kinetic terms. We find that going beyond the slow-roll approximation is necessary and that the nature of the non-canonical terms have an important impact on the final power spectra at the end of inflation. We study five models numerically and find excellent agreement with our analytical results. Our results emphasise the fact that going beyond the slow-roll approximation is important in times of high-precision data coming from cosmological observations.

Intersecting branes, domain walls and superpotentials in 3d gauge theories

We revisit the Hanany-Witten brane construction of 3d gauge theories with N=2 supersymmetry. Instantons are known to generate a superpotential on the Coulomb branch of the theory. We show that this superpotential can be viewed as arising from the classical scattering of domain wall solitons. The domain walls live on the worldvolume of the fivebranes and their existence relies on the recent observation that the charged hypermultiplet at the intersection of perpendicular D-branes has non-canonical kinetic terms. We further show how Dp branes may be absorbed at the intersection of perpendicular D(p+4)-branes where they appear as BPS sigma-model lumps.

Covariant second-order perturbations in generalized two-field inflation

We examine the covariant properties of generalized models of two-field inflation, with non-canonical kinetic terms and a possibly non-trivial field metric. We demonstrate that kinetic-term derivatives and covariant field derivatives do commute in a proper covariant framework, which was not realized before in the literature. We also define a set of generalized slow-roll parameters, using a unified notation. Within this framework, we study the most general class of models that allows for well-defined adiabatic and entropic sound speeds, which we identify as the models with parallel momentum and field velocity vectors. For these models we write the exact cubic action in terms of the adiabatic and isocurvature perturbations. We thus provide the tool to calculate the exact non-Gaussianity beyond slow-roll and at any scale for these generalized models. We illustrate our general results by considering their long-wavelength limit, as well as with the example of two-field DBI inflation.

Brane inflation driven by noncanonical scalar field

In this work, we are going to study the inflationary era of the Universe evolution by using second type of Randall-Sundrum model (RS-II) braneworld gravity. It is supposed that the Universe is dominated by scalar field with noncanonical kinetic terms. The kinetic term is supposed as a power-law function, and the work is performed for two typical cases. Using recent observations, the free parameters of the model are determined. It is shown that theoretical results are in acceptable agreement with observational data. Finally the time period of inflation is derived approximately, and it is found out that the inflation could occur after the five-dimensional Planck time.

Nonperturbative procedure for stableK-brane

We propose a novel first-order formalism for a type of $K$-brane systems. An example solution is presented and studied. We illustrate how the noncanonical kinetic term can affect the properties of the model, such as the stability of the solutions, the localization of fermion and graviton. We argue that our solution is stable against linear perturbations. The tensor zero mode of graviton can be localized while the scalar zero mode cannot. The localization condition for fermion is also discussed.

Cosmological black holes from self-gravitating fields

Both cosmological expansion and black holes are ubiquitous features of our observable Universe, yet exact solutions connecting the two have remained elusive. To this end, we study self-gravitating classical fields within dynamical spherically symmetric solutions that can describe black holes in an expanding universe. After attempting a perturbative approach of a known black-hole solution with scalar hair, we show by exact methods that the unique scalar field action with first-order derivatives that can source shear-free expansion around a black hole requires noncanonical kinetic terms. The resulting action is an incompressible limit of $k$-essence, otherwise known as the cuscuton theory, and the spacetime it describes is the McVittie metric. We further show that this solution is an exact solution to the vacuum Ho\ifmmode \check{r}\else \v{r}\fi{}ava-Lifshitz gravity with anisotropic Weyl symmetry.