posted on 2023-06-07, 19:04authored byN Bartolo, Andrew Liddle
We analyze the simplest possible realization of the curvaton scenario, where a nearly scale-invariant spectrum of adiabatic perturbations is generated by conversion of an isocurvature perturbation generated during inflation, rather than the usual inflationary mechanism. We explicitly evaluate all the constraints on the model, under both the assumptions of prompt and delayed reheating, and we outline the viable parameter space.
Project undertaken with visiting PhD student. This was the first explicit model of the curvaton scenario for inflation, and clarified the role of different constraints on the scenario influencing subsequent model-building.