paper

Coupling the inflaton to an expanding aether

arXiv:1007.2594 · doi:10.1103/PhysRevD.82.064032

Abstract

We consider a Lorentz-violating theory of inflation consisting of Einstein-aether theory with a scalar inflaton coupled bilinearly to the expansion of the aether. We determine the conditions for linearized stability, positive energy, and vanishing of preferred-frame post-Newtonian parameters, and find that all these conditions can be met. In homogeneous and isotropic cosmology, the inflaton-aether expansion coupling leads to a driving force on the inflaton that is proportional to the Hubble parameter. This force affects the slow-roll dynamics, but still allows for a natural end to inflation.

13 pages. v2: matches PRD version

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