InflationEasy: A C++ Lattice Code for Inflation

TL;DR

InflationEasy is a C++ lattice simulation code designed for nonlinear studies of cosmological inflation, capable of modeling scalar fields, gravitational waves, and nonperturbative effects.

Contribution

It introduces a specialized lattice code with features for inflationary applications, including a nonperturbative method to compute curvature perturbations directly from the lattice.

Findings

Simulates nonlinear scalar field dynamics during inflation.

Models scalar-induced gravitational waves during and after inflation.

Enables studies of large fluctuations and non-Gaussianities beyond perturbation theory.

Abstract

InflationEasy is a lattice code specifically developed for cosmological inflation. It simulates the nonlinear dynamics of a scalar field on a three-dimensional lattice in an expanding FLRW universe using finite-difference spatial derivatives. Based in part on the well-known LATTICEEASY, it incorporates several features tailored specifically to inflationary applications, including a nonperturbative $\delta N$ method to compute the curvature perturbation at the end of inflation $\zeta$ directly from the lattice. In addition to the scalar sector, the code can also simulate scalar-induced gravitational waves, accounting for contributions generated both during inflation and during the subsequent horizon re-entry of scalar perturbations, and enabling the computation of the resulting gravitational-wave background. \texttt{InflationEasy} enables fully nonlinear studies of regimes with large fluctuations or nonperturbative non-Gaussianities, which lie beyond the reach of standard perturbation theory. It is applicable to a broad range of inflationary models, including those relevant for primordial black hole formation, gravitational-wave backgrounds, and large-scale structure.