Quantum coherent oscillations in the early universe

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates quantum coherent oscillations of the inflaton field in the early universe, revealing quantum interference effects that extend beyond semi-classical models and could influence cosmological phenomena.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of quantum Bloch-like oscillations in the inflaton field, a novel quantum interference effect in cosmology.

Findings

Quantum oscillations of the inflaton field are possible.

Quantum interference effects may impact early universe dynamics.

The study draws an analogy to Bloch oscillations in condensed matter.

Abstract

Cosmic inflation is commonly assumed to be driven by quantum fields. Quantum mechanics predicts phenomena such as quantum fluctuations and tunneling of the field. Here we show an example of a quantum interference effect which goes beyond the semi-classical treatment and which may be of relevance in the early universe. We study the quantum coherent dynamics for a tilted, periodic potential, which results in genuine quantum oscillations of the inflaton field, analogous to Bloch oscillations in condensed matter and atomic systems. Our results show that quantum interference phenomena may be of relevance in cosmology.