Inflation and Unification

TL;DR

This paper reviews two classes of inflationary models compatible with current observations, one based on Coleman-Weinberg potentials and the other on supersymmetry, both naturally incorporating leptogenesis.

Contribution

It introduces and compares two realistic inflationary models within global and local symmetry frameworks, highlighting their natural realization of leptogenesis.

Findings

Both models fit current observational data.

Leptogenesis occurs naturally in both scenarios.

Supersymmetry simplifies inflation implementation.

Abstract

Two distinct classes of realistic inflationary models consistent with present observations are reviewed. The first example relies on the Coleman-Weinberg potential and is readily realized within the framework of spontaneously broken global symmetries (for instance, global U(1)_B-L). Depending on the parameters either new or large field inflation is possible. The second example exploits supersymmetry which makes implementation of inflation within local gauge theories much more accessible. An example based on spontaneously broken local U(1)_B-L is discussed. Leptogenesis is naturally realized in both cases.