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In spite of the strong observational evidence suggesting a period of rapid expansion in the early universe, the identity of the inflaton field that drove this expansion remains elusive. Many inflaton candidate particles (both known and hypothesized) have been proposed to explain the early accelerated expansion of the universe. Other explanations for an era of rapid expansion in the early universe have been proposed via modifications of gravity in one form or another. In this paper, we consider the possibility of using a Van der Waals equation of state to describe the early-time accelerated expansion of the universe. We do not attempt to explain why the early universe may be filled with such a fluid, but rather investigate what constraints may be placed on the parameters which describe a Van der Waals fluid that sources an accelerated expansion in the early universe. We consider three different versions of the Van der Waals equation of state and constrain the parameters of each using CMB data. We find that two of the models do not fit constraints from observation. A third model may satisfy observational constraints, but only under very narrow circumstances.

Dark sectors, consisting of new, light, weakly-coupled particles that do not interact with the known strong, weak, or electromagnetic forces, are a particularly compelling possibility for new physics. Nature may contain numerous dark sectors, each with their own beautiful structure, distinct particles, and forces. This review summarizes the physics motivation for dark sectors and the exciting opportunities for experimental exploration. It is the summary of the Intensity Frontier subgroup "New, Light, Weakly-coupled Particles" of the Community Summer Study 2013 (Snowmass). We discuss axions, which solve the strong CP problem and are an excellent dark matter candidate, and their generalization to axion-like particles. We also review dark photons and other dark-sector particles, including sub-GeV dark matter, which are theoretically natural, provide for dark matter candidates or new dark matter interactions, and could resolve outstanding puzzles in particle and astro-particle physics. In many cases, the exploration of dark sectors can proceed with existing facilities and comparatively modest experiments. A rich, diverse, and low-cost experimental program has been identified that has the potential for one or more game-changing discoveries. These physics opportunities should be vigorously pursued in the US and elsewhere., Comment: Report of the Community Summer Study 2013 (Snowmass) Intensity Frontier New, Light, Weakly-Coupled Particles subgroup