Inflation in a conformally-invariant two-scalar-field theory with an extra $R^2$ term

Abstract

We explore inflationary cosmology in a theory where there are two scalar fields which non-minimally couple to the Ricci scalar and an additional $R^2$ term, which breaks the conformal invariance. Particularly, we investigate the slow-roll inflation in the case of one dynamical scalar field and that of two dynamical scalar fields. It is explicitly demonstrated that the spectral index of scalar mode of the density perturbations and the tensor-to-scalar ratio can be consistent with the observations acquired by the recent Planck satellite. The graceful exit from the inflationary stage is achieved as in convenient $R^2$ gravity. We also propose the generalization of the model under discussion with three scalar fields.

18 pages, 4 figures, version accepted for publication in European Physical Journal C