Asymptotic freedom, asymptotic flatness and cosmology

TL;DR

This paper explores the connection between holographic RG flows with asymptotically-free beta functions and cosmological inflation models, revealing universal spectral indices and linking well-known inflationary models within this framework.

Contribution

It demonstrates how holographic RG flows with specific beta functions correspond to a broad class of inflationary models, including Starobinsky and T-inflation, offering new insights into their stability and naturalness.

Findings

Universal scalar spectral index depending on e-foldings

Tensor-to-scalar ratio depends on a single parameter

Inflationary models like Starobinsky are part of this holographic class

Abstract

Holographic RG flows in some cases are known to be related to cosmological solutions. In this paper another example of such correspondence is provided. Holographic RG flows giving rise to asymptotically-free $\beta$-functions have been analyzed in connection with holographic models of QCD. They are shown upon Wick rotation to provide a large class of inflationary models with logarithmically-soft inflaton potentials. The scalar spectral index is universal and depends only on the number of e-foldings. The ratio of tensor to scalar power depends on the single extra real parameter that defines this class of models. The Starobinsky inflationary model as well as the recently proposed models of T-inflation are members of this class. The holographic setup gives a completely new (and contrasting) view to the stability, naturalness and other problems of such inflationary models.