Using the de Sitter/CFT correspondence we describe a scenario of holographic inflation which is driven by a three dimensional boundary field theory. We find that inflationary constraints severely restrict the $\beta$--function, the anomalous dimensions and the value of the $C$--function of the boundary theory. The scenario has model independent predictions such as $\epsilon<< \eta$, $n_T<0.04$, $P_{ tensor}/P_{ scalar}<0.08$ and $H<10^{ 14} GeV$. We consider some simple boundary theories and find that they do not lead to inflation. Thus, building an acceptable holographic inflation model remains a challenge. We also describe holographic quintessence and find that it closely resembles a cosmological constant.
Categories: hep-th