The Physics of Inflation: Non-Gaussianity, Reheating and Preheating

近年来，出现了对通货膨胀物理学的新探索。这一建议集中于两个主题：一个是原始波动的非高斯性，另一个是通货膨胀后的再加热和预热。如果膨胀伴随着高斯涨落，这意味着只有两个(密度)场之间的相关性是重要的。非高斯性是通过两个以上场之间存在非零相关性来衡量的。PI已经开发并将继续开发使用非高斯主义的新的通胀量化测试。具体地说，PI和他的学生们建议研究以下内容：1.更高的相关函数，如直接测量散射效应的三谱(四点函数)，以及它们如何影响原始的非高斯性；2.在描述涨落演化的玻尔兹曼方程中包括非线性效应，如散射。这一计算将使人们能够将理论预测与未来来自普朗克卫星的CMB数据进行比较。由于非均匀的、随时间变化的标量场的非线性散射，PI将开发必要的工具和形式来计算引力产生量。该项目通过为研究生提供从事前沿研究的机会，自然地将研究和教育结合在一起。PI打算让本科生参与研究和外联项目。PI打算将模拟数据作为一种有吸引力的有效工具，为本科生提供研究体验和推广项目。作为本科生S外展活动的一部分，他打算创作《工作中的大爆炸》的电影。使用他们的模拟，并通过万维网公开提供电影。

New probes of the physics of inflation have emerged in recent years. This proposal focuses on two topics: one is non-Gaussianity of primordial fluctuations and the other includes reheating and preheating after inflation. If inflation was accompanied by Gaussian fluctuations, this means that only correlations between two (density) fields are important.Non-Gaussianity is measured by there being non zero correlations between more than two fields. The PI has developed and is continuing to develop new quantitative tests of inflation with non-Gaussianity. Specifically, the PI along with his students proposes to study the following: 1. Higher correlation functions such as the Trispectrum (four-point function) which directly measures scattering effects and how they effect primordial non-Gaussianity;2. Including non-linear effects such as scattering in the Boltzmann equation which describes the evolution of the fluctuations. This calculation will allow one to compare theoretical predictions and future CMB data from the Planck satellite.3. The PI will develop the tools and formalism necessary to calculate gravitino production due to the non-linear scattering of inhomogeneous,time-dependent scalar fields. The project integrates research and education naturally by providing graduate students with opportunities to do cutting-edge research The PI intends to involve undergraduate students in research as well as outreach projects. The PI intends to use simulation data as an attractive and efficient tool for giving undergraduate students research experiences and outreach projects. As a part of undergraduate student?s outreach activities, he intends to create movies of the ?Big Bang at Work? using their simulations and make the movies publicly available via the World Wide Web.