2 research outputs found
One-loop corrections to the curvature perturbation from inflation
An estimate of the one-loop correction to the power spectrum of the
primordial curvature perturbation is given, assuming it is generated during a
phase of single-field, slow-roll inflation. The loop correction splits into two
parts, which can be calculated separately: a purely quantum-mechanical
contribution which is generated from the interference among quantized field
modes around the time when they cross the horizon, and a classical contribution
which comes from integrating the effect of field modes which have already
passed far beyond the horizon. The loop correction contains logarithms which
may invalidate the use of naive perturbation theory for cosmic microwave
background (CMB) predictions when the scale associated with the CMB is
exponentially different from the scale at which the fundamental theory which
governs inflation is formulated.Comment: 28 pages, uses feynmp.sty and ioplatex journal style. v2: supersedes
version published in JCAP. Some corrections and refinements to the discussion
and conclusions. v3: Corrects misidentification of quantum correction with an
IR effect. Improvements to the discussio
One-loop corrections to a scalar field during inflation
The leading quantum correction to the power spectrum of a
gravitationally-coupled light scalar field is calculated, assuming that it is
generated during a phase of single-field, slow-roll inflation.Comment: 33 pages, uses feynmp.sty and ioplatex journal style. v2: matches
version published in JCAP. v3: corrects sign error in Eq. (58). Corrects
final coefficient of the logarithm in Eq. (105). Small corrections to
discussion of divergences in 1-point function. Minor improvements to
discussion of UV behaviour in Sec. 4.