Towards stochastic inflation in higher-curvature gravity
Abstract
Abstract We study stochastic inflation in the presence of higher-curvature terms non-minimally coupled to the inflaton. Focusing on quadratic curvature invariants, we single out the Gauss–Bonnet term which is known to avoid ghosts, while having non-trivial effects on the background and scalar mode evolution when coupled to the scalar field. Stochastic Klein–Gordon and Langevin equations are derived in the presence of the Gauss–Bonnet coupling, and their slow-roll and ultra-slow-roll limits are studied. By using first-passage time method, scalar power spectrum and PBH mass fraction are estimated in these limits. Stochastic evolution of a Gauss–Bonnet-coupled spectator field in de Sitter vacuum is also discussed.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Geophysics and Gravity Measurements
Solar and Space Plasma Dynamics
Cosmology and Gravitation Theories
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of Cosmology and Astroparticle Physics
- Publisher
- IOP Publishing
- Volume
- 2026
- Issue
- 05
- Pages
- 034–034
- Publication date
- 1 May 2026
- Language
- EN