UNC-CH Physics and Astronomy Prelim

Joe Baldoni Karlik

“Inflation in String Theory”

Cosmological inflation is very well observed but cannot be explained in terms of the Standard Model thus requiring new physics. In this presentation, we will explore the theoretical viability of constructing realistic inflationary models within string theory. Specifically, we will address concerns over pathological features in KKLT-based string inflation by proposing a corrective string mechanism that saves models from excessive inflation. Finally, we consider this issue from the perspective of the Swampland Conjectures.