Inflationary paradigm after Planck 2013

• DOI: 10.1016/j.physletb.2014.03.020
• Publication Date: 2014-04-16T04:15:31Z
• Authors: Alan H. Guth; David I. Kaiser; Yasunori Nomura
• Keywords: High Energy Physics - Theory; Nuclear and High Energy Physics; Cosmology and Nongalactic Astrophysics (astro-ph.CO); Molecular; FOS: Physical sciences; General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology (gr-qc); Atomic; Nuclear & Particles Physics; 01 natural sciences; General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology; Particle and Plasma Physics; High Energy Physics - Theory (hep-th); 539; 0103 physical sciences; Nuclear; Mathematical Physics; Astronomical and Space Sciences; Astrophysics - Cosmology and Nongalactic Astrophysics

Models of cosmic inflation posit an early phase accelerated expansion the universe, driven by dynamics one or more scalar fields in curved spacetime. Though detailed assumptions about and couplings vary across models, makes specific, quantitative predictions for several observable quantities, such as flatness parameter (Ωk=1−Ω) spectral tilt primordial curvature perturbations (ns−1=dln⁡PR/dln⁡k), among others—predictions that match latest observations from Planck satellite to very good precision. In light data well recent theoretical developments study eternal multiverse, we address criticisms Ijjas, Steinhardt, Loeb. We argue their conclusions rest on problematic assumptions, conclude is a stronger footing than ever before.