= Quartic-inflation prompt-reheating estimate
{title2=$T_R\sim\lambda^{1/4}g_*^{-1/4}M_P$}
For a quartic <inflaton> potential, an endpoint field of order the unreduced <Planck mass> leaves density of order $\lambda M_P^4$. If prompt, efficient <reheating> converts it to equilibrium radiation, $\rho=(\pi^2/30)g_*T_R^4$ gives the displayed scaling. With the potential-only endpoint estimate $\phi_e=M_P/\sqrt\pi$, the coefficient is $[15/(2\pi^4)]^{1/4}$. End-of-inflation <kinetic energy> changes that coefficient by order one, and delayed transfer or incomplete thermalization requires a reheating model rather than the potential alone.
Back to article page
