Inflaton fragmentation: Emergence of pseudo-stable inflaton lumps (oscillons) after inflation

Abstract

We investigate the emergence of large, localized, pseudo-stable configurations (oscillons) from inflaton fragmentation at the end of inflation. We predict the number density of large oscillons, and the conditions necessary for their emergence in a class of inflationary models. Analytic estimates are provided for a 3+1 and 1+1-dimensional universe. We test our predictions with detailed numerical simulations in 1+1-dimensions. We see a zoo of oscillons emerging from the simulations, including the usual small amplitude "sech" oscillons as well as large "flat-topped" oscillons. The emergent oscillons account for approximately 80 per cent of the energy density of the inflaton.

Comments: This is v2, updated references, submitted to Phys. Rev. D. Animations based on 1+1d numerical simulations available at http://www.mit.edu/~mamin/www/oscillons.html