Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2024 iii Paper 310 4 d Solution Created 2026-09-24 Updated 2026-09-25
For a canonical scalar field with positive kinetic energy, the Friedmann equation givesso the first Hubble slow-roll parameter satisfies . The tensor tilt is consequentlyA blue primordial spectrum of tensor modes cannot arise in standard canonical single-field slow-roll inflation; it requires changing assumptions, such as the matter content, kinetic structure, initial state, or gravitational dynamics.
The scalar tilt instead obeysIt can be positive in a standard single-field model if , meaning that decreases sufficiently rapidly with the number of e-folds. Equivalently, in potential slow-roll parameters the first-order condition is . Thus a blue scalar spectrum is allowed by the framework, although it is not produced by every slowly rolling potential.
Past exam of the mathematics course of the University of Cambridge 2024 iii Paper 312 2 ii Solution Created 2026-09-24 Updated 2026-09-25
The second Friedmann equation gives the first Hubble slow-roll parameterBecause ,ThusAs , the kinetic energy decays as and the constant dominates. Hence approaches a constant,This non-attractor background is ultra-slow-roll inflation.