Covariant non-perturbative pointer variables for quantum fields

TL;DR

This paper develops a covariant, non-perturbative framework for analyzing the dynamics of a quantum detector coupled to a field in curved spacetime, enabling local and causal observable calculations.

Contribution

It introduces a covariant, renormalized integro-differential equation for detector dynamics, incorporating phenomenological parameters and Green's functions for causal analysis.

Findings

Derivation of covariant equations of motion for detector variables

Formal solution using Green's functions for local observables

Framework applicable to detecting non-Gaussianities in quantum fields

Abstract

We describe the dynamics of a detector modeled by a harmonic oscillator coupled with an otherwise free quantum field in a curved spacetime in terms of covariant equations of motion leading to local observables. To achieve this, we derive and renormalize the integro-differential equation that governs the detector pointer-variable dynamics, introducing phenomenological parameters such as a dispersion coefficient and a Lamb-shift parameter. Our formal solution, expressed in terms of Green's functions, allows for the covariant, and causal analysis of induced observables on the field. This formalism can be used for instance to detect non-Gaussianities present in the field's state.