Superconformal Generalization of the Chaotic Inflation Model \lambda \phi^4/4 - \xi/ 2 \phi^2 R

Abstract

A model of chaotic inflation based on the theory of a scalar field with potential \lambda\phi^4 perfectly matches the observational data if one adds to it a tiny non-minimal coupling to gravity -\xi/2 \phi^2 R with \xi > 0.002. We describe embedding of this model into the superconformal theory with spontaneous breaking of superconformal symmetry, and into supergravity. A model with small \xi is technically natural: setting the small parameter \xi to zero leads to a point of enhanced symmetry in the underlying superconformal theory.