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Quantum Gravity Extension of the Inflationary Scenario

Ivan Agullo, Abhay Ashtekar, and William Nelson
Phys. Rev. Lett. 109, 251301 – Published 17 December 2012
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Abstract

Since the standard inflationary paradigm is based on quantum field theory on classical space-times, it excludes the Planck era. Using techniques from loop quantum gravity, the paradigm is extended to a self-consistent theory from the Planck scale to the onset of slow roll inflation, covering some 11 orders of magnitude in energy density and curvature. This preinflationary dynamics also opens a small window for novel effects, e.g., a source for non-Gaussianities, which could extend the reach of cosmological observations to the deep Planck regime of the early Universe.

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  • Received 7 September 2012

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.109.251301

© 2012 American Physical Society

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A Glance at the Earliest Universe

Published 17 December 2012

A new cosmological theory tackles the description of the earliest era of the Universe, a period inaccessible by current models.

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Authors & Affiliations

Ivan Agullo, Abhay Ashtekar, and William Nelson

  • Institute for Gravitation and the Cosmos & Physics Department, Penn State, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA

See Also

Extension of the quantum theory of cosmological perturbations to the Planck era

Ivan Agullo, Abhay Ashtekar, and William Nelson
Phys. Rev. D 87, 043507 (2013)

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Vol. 109, Iss. 25 — 21 December 2012

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