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Breaking model degeneracies with next-generation observations

Determine how forthcoming observations from LiteBIRD, CMB-S4, and LISA can break current degeneracies among modified gravity inflationary models by exploiting measurements of the tensor tilt n_t, isocurvature modes, and precise bounds on the tensor-to-scalar ratio r.

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Background

Many modified gravity scenarios produce similar scalar spectral indices and low tensor amplitudes, complicating model selection with current data. The review points to tensor properties, isocurvature, and precision B-mode measurements as key discriminators.

Establishing concrete forecasted criteria would guide both experimental design and theoretical model development.

References

We highlight several key open problems: How will future missions such as LiteBIRD, CMB-S4, and LISA break degeneracies between different modified gravity inflationary models? Can tensor tilt n_t, isocurvature modes, or precision measurements of r distinguish among models that are currently statistically equivalent?

From geometry to cosmology: a pedagogical review of inflation in curvature, torsion, and extended gravity theories (2509.14306 - Momeni, 17 Sep 2025) in Section: Open Questions and Future Directions