Inflation -- a Comparative Study Amongst Different Modified Gravity Theories

TL;DR

This paper compares inflationary predictions of five modified gravity theories against recent Planck data, finding scalar-tensor gravity as the most consistent alternative to dark energy.

Contribution

It provides a comparative analysis of five modified gravity models' inflationary parameters using recent observational data.

Findings

Scalar-tensor gravity best matches Planck data

Other models show less consistency with observations

The study highlights the viability of modified gravity as dark energy alternatives

Abstract

In the recent years, a host of modified gravity models have been proposed as alternatives to the dark energy. A quantum theory of gravity also requires to modify `General Theory of Relativity'. In the present article, we consider five different modified theories of gravity, and compare inflationary parameters with recent data sets released by two Planck collaboration teams. Our analysis reveals that the scalar-tensor theory of gravity is the best alternative.