Some aspects of QFT in non-inertial frames

TL;DR

This paper explores quantum field theory in non-inertial frames, examining conditions for horizons and energy definitions, confirming that such phenomena are not universal and highlighting similarities to curved spacetime.

Contribution

It analyzes the conditions under which horizons and positive energy definitions occur in non-inertial frames, clarifying their non-generic nature and analogy to curved spacetime.

Findings

Horizons are not a generic feature in non-inertial frames.

Positive energy solutions are not well-defined in general non-inertial frames.

Non-inertial frames share key features with curved spacetime regarding quantum fields.

Abstract

Some aspects of quantum field theory in a general (i.e. non inertial) frame of Minkowski spacetime are studied. Conditions for the presence of horizons as well as for the modification of the definition of positive energy solutions are examined. The standard wisdom is confirmed that none of these phenomena is generic. This corroborates that in the general case there is no natural way to define positive frequencies, which is the standard road to define particles. In that sense, (as well as in others) non inertial frames are similar to curved spacetimes.