Starobinsky Inflation: From Non-SUSY To SUGRA Realizations

Understand

We review the realization of Starobinsky-type inflation within induced-gravity Supersymmetric (SUSY) and non-SUSY models.

• In both cases, inflation is in agreement with the current data and can be attained for subplanckian values of the inflaton.
• The corresponding effective theories retain perturbative unitarity up to the Planck scale and the inflaton mass is predicted to be 3x10^13 GeV.
• The supergravity embedding of these models is achieved by employing two gauge singlet chiral supefields, a superpotential that is uniquely determined by a continuous R and a discrete Zn symmetry, and several (semi)logarithmic Kaehler potentials that respect these symmetries.