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arXiv · 2411.09732

The stress-energy tensor of an Unruh-DeWitt detector

T. Rick Perche·J. P. M. Pitelli·Daniel A. T. Vanzella
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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, $\phi_{\text{d}}$, 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.

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T. Rick Perche, J. P. M. Pitelli, Daniel A. T. Vanzella. 2024-11-14. The stress-energy tensor of an Unruh-DeWitt detector. https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevd.111.045004

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