Nonequilibrium Goldstone phenomenon in Hybrid Inflation

Abstract

We study the onset of Goldstone phenomenon in a hybrid inflation scenario. The physically motivated range of parameters is analyzed in order to meet the cosmological constraints. Classical equations of motion are solved and the evolution through the spontaneous symmetry breaking is followed. We emphasize the role of topological defects that partially maintain the disordered phase well after the waterfall. We study the emergence of the Goldstone excitations and their role in the onset of the radiation dominated universe.Comment: 10 pages with 7 figures. Contribution to Strong and Electroweak Matter (Heidelberg, 2002