Inflation with a Complex Scalar Field

Abstract

We discuss the coupled Einstein-Klein-Gordon equations for a complex scalar field with and without a quartic self-interaction in a zero curvature Friedman-Lema\^ıtre Universe. The complex scalar field, as well as the metric, is decomposed in a homogeneous, isotropic part (the background) and in first order gauge invariant scalar perturbation terms. The background equations can be written as a set of four coupled first order non-linear differential equations. These equations are analyzed using modern theory of dynamical system. It is shown that, in all singular points where inflation occurs, the phase of the complex scalar field is asymptotically constant. The analysis of the first order equations is done for the inflationary phase. For the short wavelength regime the first order perturbation term of the complex scalar field is smeared out and the Bardeen potential oscillates around a nearly constant mean value. Whereas for the long wavelength regime the first order perturbed quantities increase.