Hilltop inflation with preinflation from coupling to matter fields

Understand

We propose a class of models of supersymmetric hilltop inflation (also called "new inflation") where the initial conditions of the inflaton close to the hilltop are generated through "matter field preinflation".

• This is achieved via a coupling term between the inflaton and matter fields (i.e.
• Standard Model fields or a right-handed neutrino).
• The same coupling also opens up a decay channel for the inflaton into Standard Model fields, which allows efficient reheating of the universe.