Cosmology from string T-duality and zero-point length

Inspired by string T-duality and taking into account the zero-point length correction, l 0 , to the gravitational potential, we construct modified Friedmann equations by applying the first law of thermodynamics on the apparent horizon of the Friedmann–Robertson–Walker (FRW) Universe. The cosmological viability of this extended scenario is investigated by studying influences on the evolution of the early Universe and performing cosmographic analysis. Furthermore, we explore the inflationary paradigm under the slow-roll condition. By testing the model against observational data, the zero-point length is constrained around the Planck scale, in compliance with the original assumption from string T-duality. We also study the growth of density perturbations in the linear regime. It is shown that the zero-point length stands out as an alternative characterization for the broken-power-law spectrum, providing a better fit for the experimental measurements than the simple power-law potential. Finally, we focus on implications for the primordial gravitational wave (PGW) spectrum. Should the zero-point length be running over energy scales, as is the case for all parameters and coupling constants in quantum gravity under renormalization group considerations, deviations from general relativity (GR) might be potentially tested through upcoming PGW observatories.