Low scale inflation with large number of e-foldings

Abstract

In this paper we illustrate an interesting example of low scale inflation with an extremely large number of e-foldings. This realization can be implemented easily in hybrid inflation model where usually inflation ends via phase transition. However this phase transition can be so prolong that there is a subsequent epoch of slow roll inflation governed by the dynamics of two fields. This second bout of inflation can even resolve the $\eta$ problem which plagues certain kind of inflationary models. However we also notice that for extremely low scale inflation it is hard to obtain the right amplitude for the scalar density perturbations. In this regard we invoke alternative mechanisms for generating fluctuations. We also describe how to ameliorate the cosmological moduli problem in this context.