Asymptotic Solutions of a Generalized Starobinski Model: Kinetic Dominance, Slow Roll and Separatrices

Abstract

We consider a generalized Starobinski inflationary model. We present a method for computing solutions as generalized asymptotic expansions, both in the kinetic dominance stage (psi series solutions) and in the slow roll stage (asymptotic expansions of the separatrix solutions). These asymptotic expansions are derived in the framework of the Hamilton-Jacobi formalism where the Hubble parameter is written as a function of the inflaton field. They are applied to determine the values of the inflaton field when the inflation period starts and ends as well as to estimate the corresponding amount of inflation. As a consequence, they can be used to select the appropriate initial conditions for determining a solution with a previously fixed amount of inflation.