# Enlarging the Space of Viable Inflation Models: A Slingshot Mechanism

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a dynamic 'slingshot' mechanism involving multiple scalar fields and time-dependent mixing, which can enable inflation in models with initially non-inflationary conditions, thereby expanding the range of viable inflation scenarios.

## Contribution

The paper proposes a novel mechanism using multiple scalar fields and time-dependent mixing to facilitate inflation from non-ideal initial conditions, broadening the scope of viable inflation models.

## Key findings

- Mechanism induces a 're-overdamping' phase and parametric resonance.
- Enables inflation with a wider range of initial conditions.
- Capable of producing sufficiently long inflationary epochs.

## Abstract

The viability of a given model for inflation is determined not only by the form of the inflaton potential, but also by the initial inflaton field configuration. In many models, field configurations which are otherwise well-motivated nevertheless fail to induce inflation, or fail to produce an inflationary epoch of duration sufficient to solve the horizon and flatness problems. In this paper, we propose a mechanism which enables inflation to occur even with such initial conditions. Our mechanism involves multiple scalar fields which experience a time-dependent mixing. This in turn leads to a "re-overdamping" phase as well as a parametric resonance which together "slingshot" the inflaton field from regions of parameter space that do not induce inflation to regions that do. Our mechanism is flexible, dynamical, and capable of yielding an inflationary epoch of sufficiently long duration. This slingshot mechanism can therefore be utilized in a variety of settings and thereby enlarge the space of potentially viable inflation models.