The inflationary universe
Abstract
The theory of the inflationary universe is discussed. The problems facing the standard big-bang model are described, including the horizon problem, the smoothness problem, and the flatness problem. The combination of grand unified theories and the standard picture explains the asymmetry of matter and antimatter in the universe, but raises the problem of monopoles and domain walls. How the inflationary picture solves or avoids these problems is shown. The original inflationary theory is contrasted with the new inflationary theory, and the theoretical roles of supercooling, Higgs fields, symmetry-breaking, the false vacuum, the energy-density function, and the slow-rollover transition are discussed. The possibility that the actual creation of the universe is describable by physical laws is considered.
- Publication:
-
Scientific American
- Pub Date:
- May 1984
- DOI:
- 10.1038/scientificamerican0584-116
- Bibcode:
- 1984SciAm.250e.116G
- Keywords:
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- Astronomical Models;
- Cosmology;
- Universe;
- Big Bang Cosmology;
- Flux Density;
- Magnetic Monopoles;
- Unified Field Theory;
- Astrophysics