Cosmological implications of generalized holonomy corrections

TL;DR

This paper explores how generalized holonomy corrections in loop quantum cosmology can induce inflation and affect primordial perturbations, revealing both potential and limitations of quantum geometric effects.

Contribution

It introduces a generalized form of holonomy corrections and analyzes their impact on inflation and scalar perturbations in loop quantum cosmology.

Findings

Quantum geometric effects can generate a long inflationary phase.

Limitations exist in the inflation scenario driven solely by quantum corrections.

Generalized holonomy corrections influence the primordial scalar power spectrum.

Abstract

Most of the phenomenology of loop quantum gravity in the cosmological sector is based on the so-called holonomy correction to the Hamiltonian constraint. It straightforwardly modifies the Friedmann equations. In this work, we investigate the influence of corrections generalizing the one usually used in loop quantum cosmology. We find that a long enough inflation phase can be generated by purely quantum geometrical effects but we also underline the limitations of this scenario. In addition, we study the effects of generalized holonomy corrections on an inflationary phase generated by a massive scalar field. At the level of perturbations, we investigate in details the consequences on the primordial scalar power spectrum.