Calculating the effective potential of a conformal scalar-tensor theory
Summary
This thesis investigates a certain Weyl symmetric scalar-tensor model. Previously it’s
been shown that spontaneous breaking of Weyl symmetry offers an elegant mechanism
for inflation. The thesis attempts to extend the classical analysis of its source paper by
calculating quantum corrections to the inflaton potential. A flat-space analogue of this
potential is successfully determined to one loop order. Future directions in quantization
of conformal models are discussed.