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arXiv · 1503.00795

Constraints on Axion Inflation from the Weak Gravity Conjecture

Tom Rudelius
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Abstract

We derive constraints facing models of axion inflation based on decay constant alignment from a string-theoretic and quantum gravitational perspective. In particular, we investigate the prospects for alignment and `anti-alignment' of $C_4$ axion decay constants in type IIB string theory, deriving a strict no-go result in the latter case. We discuss the relationship of axion decay constants to the weak gravity conjecture and demonstrate agreement between our string-theoretic constraints and those coming from the `generalized' weak gravity conjecture. Finally, we consider a particular model of decay constant alignment in which the potential of $C_4$ axions in type IIB compactifications on a Calabi-Yau three-fold is dominated by contributions from $D7$-branes, pointing out that this model evades some of the challenges derived earlier in our paper but is highly constrained by other geometric considerations.

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Tom Rudelius. 2015-09-08. Constraints on Axion Inflation from the Weak Gravity Conjecture. https://doi.org/10.1088/1475-7516%2F2015%2F09%2F020

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