One Loop Corrected Mode Functions for SQED during Inflation

TL;DR

This paper calculates one-loop quantum corrections to scalar mode functions in SQED during inflation, finding that these corrections are negligible at late times, aligning with stochastic predictions.

Contribution

It provides the first explicit two-gauge calculation of one-loop corrected mode functions in SQED during inflation, confirming the negligible impact of quantum corrections at late times.

Findings

Mode functions experience no significant one-loop corrections at late times.

Results agree with stochastic predictions for all orders.

Calculations performed in two different gauges.

Abstract

We solve the one loop effective scalar field equations for spatial plane waves in massless, minimally coupled scalar quantum electrodynamics on a locally de Sitter background. The computation is done in two different gauges: a non-de Sitter invariant analogue of Feynman gauge, and in the de Sitter invariant, Lorentz gauge. In each case our result is that the finite part of the conformal counterterm can be chosen so that the mode functions experience no significant one loop corrections at late times. This is in perfect agreement with a recent, all orders stochastic prediction.