The Quantum State of Inflationary Perturbations

Abstract

This article reviews the properties of the quantum state of inflationary perturbations. After a brief description of the inflationary background, the wavefunction of the Mukhanov-Sasaki variable is calculated and shown to be that of a strongly squeezed state. The corresponding Wigner function and density matrix, which are convenient tools to characterize the properties of a quantum state, are also evaluated. Finally, the issue of definite outcomes for inflation is discussed.

Comments: 9 pages, 2 figures; to appear in the Proceedings of COSGRAV-2012 (International Conference on Modern Perspectives of Cosmology and Gravitation), Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata, India, February 7-11, 2012