paper

On the Issue of the ζSeries Convergence and Loop Corrections in the Generation of Observable Primordial Non-Gaussianity in Slow-Roll Inflation. Part II: the Trispectrum

arXiv:0811.4092 · doi:10.1103/PhysRevD.81.023531

Abstract

We calculate the trispectrum T_ζof the primordial curvature perturbation ζ, generated during a {\it slow-roll} inflationary epoch by considering a two-field quadratic model of inflation with {\it canonical} kinetic terms. We consider loop contributions as well as tree level terms, and show that it is possible to attain very high, {\it including observable}, values for the level of non-gaussianity τ_{NL} if T_ζis dominated by the one-loop contribution. Special attention is paid to the claim in JCAP {\bf 0902}, 017 (2009) [arXiv:0812.0807 [astro-ph]] that, in the model studied in this paper and for the specific inflationary trajectory we choose, the quantum fluctuations of the fields overwhelm the classical evolution. We argue that such a claim actually does not apply to our model, although more research is needed in order to understand the role of quantum diffusion. We also consider the probability that an observer in an ensemble of realizations of the density field sees a non-gaussian distribution. In that respect, we show that the probability associated to the chosen inflationary trajectory is non-negligible. Finally, the levels of non-gaussianity f_{NL} and τ_{NL} in the bispectrum B_ζand trispectrum T_ζof ζ, respectively, are also studied for the case in which ζis not generated during inflation.

LaTex File, 27 pages, 8 figures. v2: Previous Section 2 has been removed. Two new sections (3 and 4) discussing the classicality condition given by Byrnes, Choi, and Hall, in JCAP 0902, 017 (2009), and the probability that an observer sees a non-gaussian distribution have been added. v3: Version accepted for publication in Physical Review D

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