Quantum detection on the vacuum by non-uniformly accelerated observers

Abstract

We consider relativistic quantum detectors moving with a wide class of accelerations on the standard vacuum Minkowski state. The quantum field to be detected induces transitions between two kinds of detector quanta. The detector measures zero, a planckian spectrum or infinity depending on the asymptotic properties of the acceleration. This generalizes Unruh's detector and shows that Rindler's observers are not in this sense, preferred. This throws light on the “relativity” of the concept of vacuum and on the physical interpretation of QFT in accelerated coordinates.