Related papers: $g_{\rm NL}$ in the curvaton model constrained by …
We use data from the WMAP temperature maps to constrain a scale-dependent generalization of the popular 'local' model for primordial non-Gaussianity. In the model where the parameter fNL is allowed to run with scale k, fNL(k) = fNL*…
The most simple superrenormalizable model of quantum gravity is based on the general local covariant six-derivative action. In addition to graviton such a theory has massive scalar and tensor modes. It was shown recently that in the case…
We analyze the curvaton scenario in the context of supersymmety. Supersymmetric theories contain many scalars, and therefore many curvaton candidates. To obtain a scale invariant perturbation spectrum, the curvaton mass should be small…
Self tuning is one of the few methods for dynamically cancelling a large cosmological constant and yet giving an accelerating universe. Its drawback is that it tends to screen all sources of energy density, including matter. We develop a…
The pre-big bang's kinetic driven inflationary mechanism is not an adequate form of inflation: the Planck length grows more rapidly than the scale factor. In order to explain our large universe, the resulting post-big bang universe requires…
We study the curvaton scenario using gauge-invariant second order perturbation theory and solving the governing equations numerically. Focusing on large scales we calculate the non-linearity parameter f_nl in the two-fluid curvaton model…
We investigate the scale-dependence, or the runnings, of linear and second order density perturbations generated in various curvaton scenarios. We argue that the second order perturbations, i.e. non-Gaussianity, can strongly depend on the…
In the curvaton scenario, residual isocurvature perturbations can be imprinted in the cosmic neutrino component after the decay of the curvaton field, implying in turn a non-zero chemical potential in the neutrino distribution. We study the…
Fermionic terms in a class of locally supersymmetric theories called "liberated supergravity" are nonrenormalizable interactions proportional to inverse powers of the supersymmetry breaking scale and Planck mass. This property defines an…
In its simplest form the curvaton paradigm requires the Hubble parameter during inflation to be bigger than $10^8 \GeV$, but this bound may be evaded in non-standard settings. In the heavy curvaton scenario the curvaton mass increases…
Within the framework of RG improved inflationary cosmology motivated by asymptotically safe gravity, we study the dynamics of a scalar field which can be interpreted as the Higgs field. The background trajectories of this model can provide…
Large extra dimensions lower the Planck scale to values soon accessible. Motivated by String Theory, the models of large extra dimensions predict a vast number of new effects in the energy range of the lowered Planck scale, among them the…
C-theory provides a unified framework to study metric, metric-affine and more general theories of gravity. In the vacuum weak-field limit of these theories, the parameterized post-Newtonian (PPN) parameters $\beta$ and $\gamma$ can differ…
If the spatial curvature of the universe is positive, then the curvature term will always dominate at early enough times in a slow-rolling inflationary epoch. This enhances inflationary effects and hence puts limits on the possible number…
It is well known that a canonical scalar field with an exponential potential can drive power law inflation (PLI). However, the tensor-to-scalar ratio in such models turns out to be larger than the stringent limit set by recent Planck…
We revisit spectator field models including curvaton and modulated reheating scenarios, specifically focusing on their viability in the new Planck era, based on the derived expression for the spectral index in general spectator field…
Suppose the usual description of spacetime as a 4-dimensional manifold with a Lorentzian metric breaks down at Planck energies. Can we still construct sensible theoretical models of the universe? Are they testable? Do they lead to a…
Planck scale physics represents a future challenge, located between particle physics and general relativity. The Planck scale marks a threshold beyond which the old description of spacetime breaks down and conceptually new phenomena must…
We analyse the situation where the primordial curvature perturbations are produced by the joint effects of an inflaton field and two curvaton fields. We present general equations which allow the reader to obtain f_NL for several different…
We present a systematic study of the amplitude of the primordial perturbation in curvaton models with self-interactions, treating both renormalizable and non-renormalizable interactions. In particular, we consider the possibility that the…