Quantum Gravitational Predictions in Inflationary Scalar-Tensor Theories

Abstract: The recent observations by Planck allow generalisations of the traditional single-field inflationary models in the form of scalar-tensor theories. These theories have in common that they exhibit a non-minimal coupling of the inflaton field to gravity. This non-minimal coupling could imply that the effects of quantum gravity are enhanced with respect to the predictions of general relativity. In this talk I will present one formalism of quantum gravity called quantum geometrodynamics, and show how this formalism can be used to systematically derive predictions of quantum gravitational effects in the inflationary observables, and will briefly comment on the experimental observability of these effects in general inflationary scalar-tensor theories.

Recorded video of talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alUnWdC22zs

Talk based in part on:
[1904.12861] Quantum gravitational corrections to the inflationary power spectra in scalar-tensor theories
[1712.08543] Quantum gravitational corrections from the Wheeler-DeWitt equation for scalar-tensor theories

cosmology and nongalactic astrophysicsgeneral relativity and quantum cosmology

Audience: advanced learners

( paper | slides | video )

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CosmoConβ - Cosmology from Home

Series comments: Cosmology from Home is an online cosmology conference. One of its features are pre-recorded talks, publicly available at its YouTube channel.

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