Starobinsky like inflation and EGB Gravity in the light of ACT (2505.05363v1)

Abstract: The ACT data shows an enhancement in the value of the scalar spectral index, as $n_s = 0.9743 \pm 0.0034$, leading to disfavoring many inflationary models, including the Starobinsky model. To satisfy the constraint made by ACT, we will investigate the Starobinsky potential within the Einstein-Gauss-Bonnet(EGB) gravity theory. EGB gravity is motivated by the higher-dimensional theory, which includes quadratic curvature correction terms and a coupling between the scalar field and the GB term that modifies the dynamical equations. The model is considered by using the slow-roll approximation method and the exact numerical approach for two different coupling functions. The results indicate that the model is in good agreement with the data and the results stand in $1\sigma$ of the ACT $r-n_s$ plane. Considering the running of the scalar spectral index also implies the consistency of the model with data. In addition, the parametric space of the free parameters of the EGB coupling is explored, where we find the acceptable region of the parameters in which the resulting $n_s$ and $r$ stay in $1\sigma$ of the ACT data. Next, the reheating phase is considered. It is determined that the model can simultaneously satisfy the constraint of ACT data and the reheating temperature constraints.