Jump chain

Topic of Continuous-time Markov chains, part of Stochastic processes

Jump chain

Type Topic
Taught in Continuous-time Markov chains
Part Stochastic processes

The discrete-time chain of states that a continuous-time Markov chain visits, ignoring how long it stays in each. From state i it moves to j\ne i with probability q_{ij}/q_i, where q_i=-q_{ii} is the total rate of leaving i.

In Continuous-time Markov chains

In state i the holding time is exponential with rate \nu_i. If \nu_i>0, the next state is j with probability k_{ij}=q_{ij}/\nu_i. The matrix K=(k_{ij}) is the embedded jump chain, a discrete-time transition matrix. An absorbing state has \nu_i=0: the chain never leaves.

Used in

See also

Generator · Kolmogorov forward and backward equations · Two-state continuous-time chain · Uniformisation · Holding time

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