Smooth hybrid inflation in light of ACT DR6 data

TL;DR

This paper examines the predictions of smooth hybrid inflation models in light of ACT DR6 data, confirming their robustness in predicting the spectral index and discussing implications for baryogenesis and dark matter.

Contribution

It demonstrates that the spectral index prediction of smooth hybrid inflation remains stable across various nonrenormalizable term powers and aligns with recent ACT observations.

Findings

Spectral index around 0.97 consistent with ACT data

Robustness of predictions against nonrenormalizable terms

Discussion of baryogenesis and dark matter scenarios

Abstract

Smooth hybrid inflation is a hybrid inflation model which is free from topological defects and predicts the density perturbation with the spectral index of about $0.97$. We show that the prediction on the spectral index is robust regardless the power of nonrenormalizable terms and meets with the latest results reported by Atacama Cosmology Telescope. Viable scenarios for baryogenesis and dark matter are also discussed.