The stress-energy tensor of an Unruh-DeWitt detector
Abstract
We propose a model for a finite-size particle detector, which allows us to derive its stress-energy tensor. This tensor is obtained from a covariant Lagrangian that describes not only the quantum field that models the detector, , but also the systems responsible for its localization: a complex scalar field, , and a perfect fluid. The local interaction between the detector and the complex field ensures the square integrability of the detector modes, while the fluid serves to define the spatial profile of , localizing it in space. We then demonstrate that, under very general conditions, the resulting energy tensor -- incorporating all components of the system -- is physically reasonable and satisfies the energy conditions.
Keywords
Cite
@article{arxiv.2411.09732,
title = {The stress-energy tensor of an Unruh-DeWitt detector},
author = {T. Rick Perche and J. P. M. Pitelli and Daniel A. T. Vanzella},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2411.09732},
year = {2025}
}
Comments
11 pages, 7 figures, revtex 4.2