Inflationary phase and role of dark energy: Revisited

TL;DR

This paper revisits the inflationary phase of the Universe by proposing a scalar field model that predicts exact exponential expansion and explores the connection between dark energy and inflation.

Contribution

It introduces a new scalar field model in a closed Universe framework that achieves exact exponential inflation and links dark energy to the inflationary potential.

Findings

Exact exponential inflation achieved in the model

Dark energy may originate from the inflationary potential

Model allows for the end of inflation

Abstract

The inflationary phase of the Universe is explored by proposing a toy model related to the scalar field, termed as {\it inflaton}. The potential part of the energy density in the said era is assumed to have a constant vacuum energy density part and a variable part containing the inflaton. The prime idea of the proposed model constructed in the framework of the closed Universe is based on a fact that the inflaton is the root cause of the orientation of the space. According to this model the expansion of the Universe in the inflationary epoch is not approximately rather exactly exponential in nature and thus it can solve some of the fundamental puzzles, viz. flatness as well as horizon problems. It is also predicted that the constant energy density part in the potential may be associated to the dark energy, which is eventually different from the vacuum energy, at least in the inflationary phase of the Universe. However, the model keeps room for the end of inflationary era.