Inflation: a theory of the big bang
Theoretical suggestion: At the earliest moment, there existed a form of material - “the inflationary field”. For a period ?10-35 s, a patch the universe (?10-55 cm3) has undergone a rapid (exponential) expansion, with R(t) stretched by a factor 1020 - 30 … containing the observable Univ … starting point of the “standard” big hot bang
Solving the flatness problem (& the horizon problem, account for structure formation, etc.)
W = 1 Geometry of the universe must be flat
Now supported by observation of the temperature anisotropy of cosmic microwave background radiation [balloon obs by Boomerang, Maxima & DASI collaborations…