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, ${\varphi }_{\text{d}}$, but also the systems responsible for its localization: a complex scalar field, ${\psi }_{\text{c}}$, 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 ${\psi }_{\text{c}}$, 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.

11 pages, 7 figures, revtex 4.2

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Cited by in corpus (2)

• Invisible extended Unruh-DeWitt detector
• Vacuum fluctuations and the renormalized stress-energy tensor on a cone with arbitrary boundary conditions