Is imaginary Starobinsky model real?

The Imaginary Starobinsky Model

The recent detection by the BICEP2 collaboration of a high level of tensor modes seems to exclude the Starobinsky model of inflation. In this paper we show that this conclusion can be avoided: one can embed the Starobinsky model in supergravity and identify the inflaton field with the imaginary (instead of the real) part of the chiral scalaron multiplet in its formulation. Once coupled to matte...

Decoherence in Starobinsky Model

Starobinsky described an inflationary scenario in which quantum corrections to vacuum Einstein's equations drive the inflation. The quantum cos-mology of the model is studied by solving Wheeler-DeWitt equation. A connection between uncertainty requirement, randomness in initial states as well as curvature fluctuation is studied with a Schroedinger-type equation through a time parameter prescrip...

Imaginary automorphisms on real hyperelliptic curves

A real hyperelliptic curve X is said to be Gaussian if there is an automorphism α : XC → XC such that α = [−1]C ◦ α, where [−1] denotes the hyperelliptic involution on X. Gaussian curves arise naturally in several contexts, for example when one studies real Jacobians. In the present paper we study the properties of Gaussian curves and we describe their moduli spaces. MSC 2000: 14H15, 14H37, 14P...

Working in the real and the imaginary

The science we practice is shaped by our interactions with people; the enthusiastic teachers, the fascinating mentors, the inspiring colleagues, and the inquisitive students. The science we enjoy takes us into areas we couldn't have anticipated. From time to time, we come back to reality and try to find ways to share our new explorations with our friends and relatives and to convert our insight...

[Bird flu: a real or imaginary threat?].