A2.1

Markov Chains
Part II, 2003

(i) What is meant by a Poisson process of rate λ\lambda ? Show that if (Xt)t0\left(X_{t}\right)_{t \geqslant 0} and (Yt)t0\left(Y_{t}\right)_{t \geqslant 0} are independent Poisson processes of rates λ\lambda and μ\mu respectively, then (Xt+Yt)t0\left(X_{t}+Y_{t}\right)_{t \geqslant 0} is also a Poisson process, and determine its rate.

(ii) A Poisson process of rate λ\lambda is observed by someone who believes that the first holding time is longer than all subsequent holding times. How long on average will it take before the observer is proved wrong?