Parameter Space of Leptogenesis in Polynomial Inflation

Polynomial inflation is a very simple and well motivated scenario. A potential with a concave ``almost'' saddle point at field value $\phi = \phi_0$ fits well the cosmic microwave background (CMB) data and makes testable predictions for the running of the spectral index and the tensor to scalar ratio. In this work we analyze leptogenesis in the polynomial inflation framework. We delineate the allowed parameter space giving rise to the correct baryon asymmetry as well as being consistent with data on neutrino oscillations. To that end we consider two different reheating scenarios. $(i)$ If the inflaton decays into two bosons, the reheating temperature can be as high as $T_\text{rh} \sim 10^{14}$ GeV without spoiling the flatness of the potential, allowing vanilla $N_1$ thermal leptogenesis to work if $T_\text{rh}> M_1$ where $N_1$ is the lightest right--handed neutrino and $M_1$ its mass. Moreover, if the dominant decay of the inflaton is into Higgs bosons of the Standard Model, we find that rare three--body inflaton decays into a Higgs boson plus one light and one heavy neutrino allow leptogenesis even for $T_\text{rh} < M_1$ if the inflaton mass is of order $10^{12}$ GeV or higher; in the polynomial inflation scenario this requires $\phi_0 \gtrsim 2.5~M_P$. This novel mechanism of non--thermal leptogenesis is quite generic, since the coupling leading to the three--body final state is required in the type I see--saw mechanism. $(ii)$ If the inflaton decays into two fermions, the flatness of the potential implies a lower reheating temperature. In this case inflaton decay to two $N_1$ still allows successful non--thermal leptogenesis if $\phi_0 \gtrsim 0.1~M_P$ and $T_\text{rh} \gtrsim 10^{6}$ GeV.
Comment: V1: 19 pages, 3 figures, 1 new mechanism of leptogenesis via 3-body decay. V2: minor modification with a footnote 4 regarding washout effect, version accepted for publication in JCAP