SCALAR FIELDS IN PARTICLE PHYSICS IN COSMOLOGY

摘要

We review the role of scalar fields in theoretical models of high energy and cosmology. We discuss two general classes of light scalar fields: i) Goldstone bosons (and pseudo-Goldstone bosons) associated with the spontaneous breaking of symmetry, ii) moduli fields associated with the flat directions of the scalar potential in supersymmetric theorie. The latter are discussed in particular in the context of extra dimensions. Gravitational constraints are discussed. The potential role of a scalar fields in cosmology investigated: a quantitative analysis of their in path in the inflation scenario as well as in the understanding of dark energy is presented.