What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to validate a minimal topological-inflation scenario and assess its compatibility with existing cosmological data.

June 15, 2026Open Access

TQNT-V5.13 — Topological inflation: a falsified V5 inflation scenario (Planck/BICEP tension)

Key Points

This research aims to validate a minimal topological-inflation scenario and assess its compatibility with existing cosmological data.
Analyzed the topological inflation scenario using the V5 χ-field framework.
Compared findings with Planck 2018 and BICEP/Keck data on scalar spectral index and tensor-to-scalar ratio.
Published findings as part of the V5 series to document failed predictions.
Identified significant tension with Planck 2018 and BICEP/Keck constraints for the scalar spectral index n_s and tensor-to-scalar ratio r.
Confirmed that the scenario is falsified, indicating it cannot account for current observational data.
Outlined necessary constraints for future V5 inflation candidates to meet.

Abstract

TQNT-V5. 13 examines a minimal topological-inflation scenario built from the V5 χ-field. The scenario is found to be in tension with Planck 2018 and BICEP/Keck constraints on the scalar spectral index nₛ and the tensor-to-scalar ratio r, and is therefore reported as FALSIFIED. This paper is published as part of the V5 series in the spirit of full disclosure of failed predictions: it documents what does NOT work and frames the constraints that any future V5 inflation candidate must satisfy. Complements the V5 monograph (10. 5281/zenodo. 19131538).

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