Scalar spectral index ($n_s$)

The scalar spectral index describes the departure of the primordial scalar spectrum from scale invariance. To first order in potential slow-roll parameters,

The running describes the scale dependence of the scalar spectral index. Differentiating $n_s-1\simeq -6{ϵ}_V+2{\eta }_V$ with the potential slow-roll flow equations gives the displayed second-order slow-roll result. It includes the third potential slow-roll parameter and is generally smaller than the leading spectral tilt.

The leading scalar spectrum is proportional to $V^3/V^{\prime 2}$. Along a slow-roll trajectory, $d\varphi /d\ln a\simeq -M_{\mathrm{pl}}^2{V}^{\prime }/V$ and $d\ln k/d\ln a=1-{ϵ}_H$. Differentiating at horizon exit and keeping first order gives $n_s-1=-6{ϵ}_V+2{\eta }_V$. The derivative-factor correction contributes at second order.