Work

Exact renormalization group evolution of the inflation dynamics: Reconciling α attractors with ACT

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: We present a nonperturbative framework for the dynamics of slow-roll inflation that consistently incorporates quantum corrections, based on an alternative functional renormalization group (RG) approach. We derive the coupled Friedmann-RG flow equations governing the joint evolution of spacetime, the inflaton field, and its effective potential. Applying this formalism to α -attractor E-models, we find that the RG flow induces a dynamical destabilization of the inflationary trajectory, leading to a premature termination of slow roll. Remarkably, the resulting predictions bring α attractors into full agreement with the latest Atacama Cosmology Telescope data without introducing new physics beyond a consistent quantum-corrected treatment of the inflaton dynamics.

Source: Physical review. D/Physical review. D.

DOI: 10.1103/8nxm-tt4b

Authors: Jean Alexandre, Lucien Heurtier, Silvia Pla

Institutions: King's College London, Technical University of Munich

Language: English

Topic: Cosmology and Gravitation Theories

Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: UK Research and Innovation, Durham University, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Science and Technology Facilities Council

Award: G9001110046