When: Wednesday, October 2, 2024, 3:30 PM - 4:30 PMWhere: G.O. Jones 516
Abstract: In this talk, I will describe how lattice simulations can improve our understanding of the inflationary epoch of the Universe. I will focus on two examples: first, a model of axion inflation where the inflaton couples to a gauge field via a Chern-Simons interaction; and second, a single-field inflation model with a localized deviation from slow-roll. I will demonstrate how nonlinear effects significantly impact the inflationary dynamics and their predictions, even in cases conventionally believed to be under perturbative control. This makes lattice simulations essential for interpreting both large-scale observables (like large-scale structure and the CMB) and small-scale observables (such as primordial black holes and gravitational wave backgrounds).