Double-field inflation

We present an inflationary universe model which utilizes two coupled real scalar fields. The inflaton field $\phi$ experiences a first-order phase transition and its potential dominates the energy density of the Universe during the inflationary epoch. This field $\phi$ is initially trapped in its metastable minimum and must tunnel through a potential barrier to reach the true vacuum. The second auxiliary field $\psi$ couples to the inflaton field and serves as a catalyst to provide an abrupt end to the inflationary epoch; i.e., the $\psi$ field produces a time-dependent nucleation rate for bubbles of true $\phi$ vacuum. In this model, we find that bubbles of true vacuum can indeed percolate and we argue that thermalization of the interiors can more easily take place. The required degree of flatness (i.e., the fine-tuning) in the potential of the $\psi$ field is comparable to that of other models which invoke slowly rolling fields. Pseudo Nambu-Goldstone bosons may naturally provide the flat potential for the rolling field.