Inflation with High Derivative Couplings

We study a class of generalized inflation models in which the inflaton is coupled to the Ricci scalar by a general $f(\phi, R)$ term. The scalar power spectrum, the spectral index, the running of the spectral index, the tensor mode spectrum and a new consistency relation of the model are calculated. We discuss in detail the issues of how to diagonize the coupled perturbation equations, how to deal with an entropy-like source, and how to determine the initial condition by quantization. By studying some explicit models, we find that rich phenomena such as a blue scalar power spectrum, a large running of the spectral index, and a blue tensor mode spectrum can be obtained.Comment: 26 pages, LaTeX; v2: refs. added; refs. correcte

Inflation with Holographic Dark Energy

We investigate the corrections of the holographic dark energy to inflation paradigm. We study the evolution of the holographic dark energy in the inflationary universe in detail, and carry out a model-independent analysis on the holographic dark energy correction to the primordial scalar power spectrum. It turns out that the corrections generically make the spectrum redder. To be consistent with the experimental data, there must be a upper bound on the reheating temperature. We also discuss the corrections due to different choices of the infrared cutoff.Comment: 15 pages, 3 figures, v2: references added, a fast-roll discussion added. v3: typos corrected. v4: final version to appear in NP

General Single Field Inflation with Large Positive Non-Gaussianity

Recent analysis of the WMAP three year data suggests $f_{NL}^{local}\simeq86.8$ in the WMAP convention. It is necessary to make sure whether general single field inflation can produce a large positive $f_{NL}$ before turning to other scenarios. We give some examples to generate a large positive $f_{NL}^{equil}$ in general single field inflation. Our models are different from ghost inflation. Due to the appearance of non-conventional kinetic terms, $f_{NL}^{equil}\gg1$ can be realized in single field inflation.Comment: 27 pages, 3 figure; final version published in JCA

K-essence Explains a Lorentz Violation Experiment

Recently, a state of the art experiment shows evidence for Lorentz violation in the gravitational sector. To explain this experiment, we investigate a spontaneous Lorentz violation scenario with a generalized scalar field. We find that when the scalar field is nonminimally coupled to gravity, the Lorentz violation induces a deformation in the Newtonian potential along the direction of Lorentz violation.Comment: 8 pages, the final version, discussion and references adde