Eternal Inflation with alpha'-Corrections

TL;DR

This paper presents a string theory-based inflation model where alpha'-corrections stabilize the volume modulus, enabling slow-roll inflation consistent with observational data and allowing for eternal inflation scenarios.

Contribution

It introduces a novel inflation model driven by the volume modulus in type IIB string compactifications incorporating alpha'-corrections and gaugino condensation effects.

Findings

Achieves stabilization of the volume modulus with saddle points for slow-roll inflation.

Produces about 130 e-foldings compatible with WMAP data (n_s=0.93).

Allows for eternal inflation providing initial conditions for slow-roll inflation.

Abstract

Higher-order alpha'-corrections are a generic feature of type IIB string compactifications. In KKLT-like models of moduli stabilization they provide a mechanism of breaking the no-scale structure of the volume modulus. We present a model of inflation driven by the volume modulus of flux compactifications of the type IIB superstring. Using the effects of gaugino condensation on D7-branes and perturbative alpha'-corrections the volume modulus can be stabilized in a scalar potential which simultaneously contains saddle points providing slow-roll inflation with about 130 e-foldings. We can accommodate the 3-year WMAP data with a spectral index of density fluctuations n_s=0.93. Our model allows for eternal inflation providing the initial conditions of slow-roll inflation.