On the Realization of WIMPflation

Abstract

We consider models for inflation with a stable inflaton. Reheating is achieved through scattering processes such as $\varphi \varphi \to hh$, where $h$ is the Standard Model Higgs boson. We consider the reheating process in detail and show that for a relatively large coupling (needed for the late annihilations of the inflaton during freeze-out), reheating is almost instantaneous leading to a relatively high reheating temperature. The process $\varphi \varphi \leftrightarrow hh$ brings the inflaton back into equilibrium, leading to a well studied scalar singlet dark matter candidate and Higgs portal model. We argue that such models can be derived from no-scale supergravity.

Comments: 26 pages, 3 figures