Models of Particle Detection in Regions of Spacetime

Abstract

We investigate two models of measuring devices designed to detect a non-relativistic free particle in a given region of spacetime. These models predict different probabilities for a free quantum particle to enter a spacetime region $R$ so that this notion is device dependent. The first model is of a von Neumann coupling which we present as a contrast to the second model. The second model is shown to be related to probabilities defined through partitions of configuration space paths in a path integral. This study thus provides insight into the physical situations to which such definitions of probabilities are appropriate.

arXiv comment21 preprint or 10 journal pages REVTEX, SU-GP-93/5-4

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