Inflation and nonminimal scalar-curvature coupling in gravity and supergravity

Abstract

Inflationary slow-roll dynamics in Einstein gravity with a non-minimal\nscalar-curvature coupling can be equivalent to that in the certain f(R) gravity\ntheory. We review the correspondence and extend it to N=1 supergravity. The\nnon-minimal coupling in supergravity is rewritten in terms of the standard\n(`minimal') N=1 matter-coupled supergravity by using curved superspace. The\nestablished equivalence between two different inflationary theories means the\nsame inflaton scalar potential, and does not imply the same post-inflationary\ndynamics and reheating.\n