2026-07-072026-07-07http://salesiana.dossiersoluciones.com/handle/123456789/196268We propose a model for early universe cosmology without the need for fundamental scalar fields. Cosmic acceleration and phenomenologically viable reheating of the universe results from a series of energy transitions, where during each transition vacuum energy is converted to thermal radiation. We show that this `cascading universe' can lead to successful generation of adiabatic density fluctuations and an observable gravity wave spectrum in some cases, where in the simplest case it reproduces a spectrum similar to slow-roll models of inflation. We also find the model provides a reasonable reheating temperature after inflation ends. This type of model may also be relevant for addressing the smallness of the vacuum energy today.13 pages, 4 figures, published versionHigh Energy Physics - TheoryAstrophysicsGeneral Relativity and Quantum CosmologyHigh Energy Physics - Phenomenologytext