Inflationary cosmology, a dissipative quantum field theory process

Abstract

The current status of early universe cosmology can be summarized as precision, but inherently limited, data requiring explanation from precision and robust theory. Specifically inflation is presently the single concrete hope for solving the early universe problem, since it is generically realizable in quantum field theory, but treatment of interactions needs considerable attention. This talk reviews the importance and progress in this direction.

Comments: 4 pages, to appear proceedings ICHEP2002