The cosmological inflation inside the cyclic model of the universe

TL;DR

This paper explores a novel cosmological model where inflation occurs repeatedly within a cyclic universe, combining features of inflationary and cyclic cosmologies through two scalar fields.

Contribution

It introduces a new scenario where inflation is integrated into cyclic models via two scalar fields, unifying two major cosmological paradigms.

Findings

Proposes a model with two scalar fields for cyclic and inflationary phases.

Suggests inflation can recur after each cosmological bounce.

Extends cosmic history beyond a singular beginning.

Abstract

Inflationary cosmology explains the homogeneity and large-scale structure of the universe through a brief epoch of accelerated expansion following the Big Bang. Cyclic cosmologies, in contrast, describe a universe undergoing successive phases of expansion and contraction and can generate primordial perturbations through alternative mechanisms while extending cosmic history beyond a singular beginning. Because these paradigms address different aspects of cosmic evolution, they are often treated separately. Here we explore the possibility that they may instead arise together. In a cosmological scenario involving two scalar fields, one field governs the cyclic evolution of the universe while the other drives an inflationary phase after each cosmological bounce, suggesting that inflation may be a recurring feature of a cyclic universe.