A Next-to-Minimal Supersymmetric Model of Hybrid Inflation

Abstract

We propose a model of inflation based on a simple variant of the NMSSM, called $ϕ$NMSSM, where the additional singlet $ϕ$ plays the role of the inflaton in hybrid (or inverted hybrid) type models. As in the original NMSSM, the $ϕ$NMSSM solves the $μ$ problem of the MSSM via the VEV of a gauge singlet $N$, but unlike the NMSSM does not suffer from domain wall problems since the offending $Z_3$ symmetry is replaced by an approximate Peccei-Quinn symmetry which also solves the strong CP problem, and leads to an invisible axion with interesting cosmological consequences. The PQ symmetry may arise from a superstring model with an exact discrete $Z_3 \times Z_5$ symmetry after compactification. The model predicts a spectral index $n=1$ to one part in $10^{12}$.

17 pages, Latex; note added, accepted for Phys. Lett. B