A use of complex probabilities in the theory of stochastic processes

Использование комплексных вероятностей в теории стохастических процессов
D. R. Cox
1955-04-01

Erlang methodcomplex transition probabilitiesexponential distributionrational Laplace transformsstochastic processes
ABSTRACT The exponential distribution is very important in the theory of stochastic processes with discrete states in continuous time. A. K. Erlang suggested a method of extending to other distributions methods that apply in the first instance only to exponential distributions. His idea is generalized to cover all distributions with rational Laplace transforms; this involves the formal use of complex transition probabilities. Properties of the method are considered.
1
The generalization formally introduces complex transition probabilities into the theory of stochastic processes with discrete states in continuous time.
2
The method’s properties are analyzed, establishing how complex-probability techniques can extend standard exponential-distribution approaches.
3
The paper generalizes Erlang’s method from exponential distributions to all distributions with rational Laplace transforms.
4
The work addresses an important limitation of conventional stochastic-process methods, which initially apply only to exponential waiting-time distributions.

stochastic processes with discrete states in continuous time

generalization of Erlang’s method to distributions with rational Laplace transforms using formal complex transition probabilities

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1955-04-01
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D. R. Cox
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