The Inflaton as a MSSM Higgs and Open String Modulus Monodromy Inflation

TL;DR

This paper proposes that the MSSM Higgs and open string moduli can serve as the inflaton in a string theory framework, linking inflation with supersymmetry breaking and Higgs physics.

Contribution

It introduces a novel model where the MSSM Higgs and string moduli act as the inflaton, utilizing monodromy inflation mechanisms within string compactifications.

Findings

Inflaton mass consistent with BICEP2 results and MSSM Higgs mass.

Higgs degrees of freedom linked to string moduli with shift symmetry.

Potential for trans-Planckian field range via monodromy inflation.

Abstract

It has been recently pointed out that the polarization BICEP2 results are consistent with the identification of an inflaton mass m \simeq 10^{13} GeV with the SUSY breaking scale in an MSSM with a fine-tuned SM Higgs. This identification leads to a Higgs mass m_h \simeq 126 GeV, consistent with LHC measurements. Here we propose that this naturally suggests to identify the inflaton with the heavy MSSM Higgs system. The fact that the extrapolated Higgs coupling lambda_{SM}\simeq 0 at scales below the Planck scale suggests the Higgs degrees of freedom could be associated to a Wilson line or D-brane position modulus in string theory. The Higgs system then has a shift symmetry and an N=2 structure which guarantees that its potential has an approximate quadratic chaotic inflation form. These moduli in string compactifications, being compact, allow for a trans-Planckian inflaton field range analogous to a version of monodromy inflation.