k-Inflation

It is shown that a large class of higher-order (i.e. non-quadratic) scalar kinetic terms can, without the help of potential terms, drive an inflationa ry evolution starting from rather generic initial conditions. In many model s, this kinetically driven inflation (or "k-inflation" for short) rolls slo wly from a high-curvature initial phase, down to a low-curvature phase and can exit inflation to end up being radiation-dominated, in a naturally grac eful manner. We hope that this novel inflation mechanism might be useful in suggesting new ways of reconciling the string dilaton with inflation. (C) 1999 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.