Breaking discrete symmetries in the effective field theory of inflation

Abstract

We study the phenomenon of discrete symmetry breaking during the inflationary epoch, using a model-independent approach based on the effective field theory of inflation. We work in a context where both time reparameterization symmetry and spatial diffeomorphism invariance can be broken during inflation. We determine the leading derivative operators in the quadratic action for fluctuations that break parity and time-reversal. Within suitable approximations, we study their consequences for the dynamics of linearized fluctuations. Both in the scalar and tensor sectors, we show that such operators can lead to new direction-dependent phases for the modes involved. They do not affect the power spectra, but can have consequences for higher correlation functions. Moreover, a small quadrupole contribution to the sound speed can be generated.

(v1) 21 pages, 3 appendices; (v2) mistakes corrected in the analysis of tensor modes, presentation improved and references added

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• Probing non-Gaussian Stochastic Gravitational Wave Backgrounds with LISA
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• Higher derivative scalar-tensor theory through a non-dynamical scalar field
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• Possible Signatures of Inflationary Particle Content: Spin-2 Fields
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• Scalar induced gravitational waves in metric teleparallel gravity with the Nieh-Yan term
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• Scalar induced gravitational waves in symmetric teleparallel gravity with a parity-violating term
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