Simple emergent power spectra from complex inflationary physics

Understand

We construct ensembles of random scalar potentials for $N_f$ interacting scalar fields using non-equilibrium random matrix theory, and use these to study the generation of observables during small-field inflation.

• For $N_f={\cal O}({\rm few})$, these heavily featured scalar potentials give rise to power spectra that are highly non-linear, at odds with observations.
• For $N_f\gg 1$, the superhorizon evolution of the perturbations is generically substantial, yet the power spectra simplify considerably and become more predictive, with most realisations being well approximated by a linear power spectrum.
• This provides proof of principle that complex inflationary physics can give rise to simple emergent power spectra.