# Inflation driven by massive vector fields with derivative self-interactions

## TL;DR

This paper explores a vector-tensor inflation model inspired by Generalized Proca Theory, incorporating massive vector fields with derivative self-interactions, and demonstrates conditions for successful inflation with isotropic expansion.

## Contribution

It introduces a novel inflationary model with non-minimal derivative coupling between vector fields and gravity, analyzing its dynamics and slow-roll conditions for sufficient inflation.

## Key findings

- Achieves isotropic expansion with a triplet of orthogonal vector fields.
- Derives general equations of motion and energy-momentum tensor for the model.
- Identifies parameter constraints for successful slow-roll inflation.

## Abstract

Inspired by the Generalized Proca Theory, we study a vector-tensor model of inflation with massive vector fields and derivative self-interactions. The action under consideration contains a usual Maxwell-like kinetic term, a general potential term and a term with non-minimal derivative coupling between the vector field and gravity, via the dual Riemann tensor. In this theory, the last term contains a free parameter, $\lambda$, which quantifies the non-minimal derivative coupling. In this scenario, taking into account a spatially flat FRW universe and a general vector field, we obtain the general expressions for the equation of motion and the total energy momentum tensor. Choosing a Proca-type potential, a suitable inflationary regimen driven by massive vector fields is studied. In this model, the isotropy of expansion is guaranteed by considering a triplet of orthogonal vector fields. In order to obtain an inflationary solution with this model, the quasi de Sitter expansion was considered. In this case the vector field behaves as a constant. Finally, slow roll analysis is performed and slow-roll conditions are defined for this model, which, for suitable constraints of the model parameters, can give the required number of e-folds for sufficient inflation.