KSW criterion in large field models

TL;DR

This paper analyzes the KSW criterion in large field inflation models, showing it depends on an integral of the potential's derivative and does not fundamentally constrain inflationary scenarios.

Contribution

It extends the analytic description of no-boundary solutions to large field models and clarifies the applicability of the KSW criterion in these contexts.

Findings

KSW criterion is satisfied in small field models

In large field models, satisfaction depends on an integral of V'()

The criterion does not impose fundamental constraints on inflation

Abstract

We extend the analytic description of complex no-boundary solutions in the context of inflation to large field models. We discuss the Kontsevich-Segal-Witten (KSW) criterion and find it is satisfied in small field models, while in large field models it depends on an integral involving $V'(\phi)$ over the range of inflation. It follows that the criterion does not truly constrain inflationary phenomenology since one can complete any inflaton potential beyond observable scales so as to satisfy KSW.