title: Hierarchical axion inflation.
abstract: We propose a new field theory mechanism for generating an effective trans-Planckian decay constant from sub-Planckian ones. Using the minimal two axions and a hierarchy between two axion decay constants is sufficient for realizing inflation through nonperturbative effects only and with minimal tuning. The inflationary motion is kept entirely within a sub-Planckian domain. We outline possible strategies of embedding the model in a string theory setup.
authors.affiliation: Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Theory Group, D-22603 Hamburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Ido
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Ben-Dayan
authors.affiliation: Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Theory Group, D-22603 Hamburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Francisco Gil
authors.initials: FG
authors.lastname: Pedro
authors.affiliation: Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY, Theory Group, D-22603 Hamburg, Germany.
authors.forename: Alexander
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Westphal