A Gauss-Bonnet coupling can flip a scalar field's effective mass sign during inflation, triggering symmetry breaking or restoration mid-inflation while leaving the inflationary background and its CMB predictions essentially unchanged.
Early dark energy and scalarization in a scalar-tensor model
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We present a model in which the Gauss-Bonnet invariant holds the quintessence at a fixed point, respecting an initial $Z_2$ symmetry in the radiation-dominated era. This results in an early dark energy that becomes significant around the matter-radiation equality era. However, due to $Z_2$ symmetry breaking, scalarization occurs, leading to a rapid reduction in the early dark energy density. The model then quickly behaves like the $\Lambda$CDM model. This scenario may also explain the reduction of sound horizon and aligns with the assumption that the gravitational wave speed is infinitesimally close to the speed of light.
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Gauss-Bonnet-induced symmetry breaking/restoration during inflation
A Gauss-Bonnet coupling can flip a scalar field's effective mass sign during inflation, triggering symmetry breaking or restoration mid-inflation while leaving the inflationary background and its CMB predictions essentially unchanged.