1.II.26I
Let be an irreducible continuous-time Markov chain with initial probability distribution and Q-matrix (for short: a CTMC), on a finite state space .
(i) Define the terms reversible CTMC and detailed balance equations (DBEs) and explain, without proof, the relation between them.
(ii) Prove that any solution of the DBEs is an equilibrium distribution (ED) for .
Let be an irreducible discrete-time Markov chain with initial probability distribution and transition probability matrix (for short: a DTMC), on the state space .
(iii) Repeat the two definitions from (i) in the context of the DTMC . State also in this context the relation between them, and prove a statement analogous to (ii).
(iv) What does it mean to say that is the jump chain for ? State and prove a relation between the ED for the and the ED for its jump chain .
(v) Prove that is reversible (in equilibrium) if and only if its jump chain is reversible (in equilibrium).
(vi) Consider now a continuous time random walk on a graph. More precisely, consider a CTMC on an undirected graph, where some pairs of states are joined by one or more non-oriented 'links' . Here is the number of links between and . Assume that the jump rate is proportional to . Can the chain be reversible? Identify the corresponding jump chain (which determines a discrete-time random walk on the graph) and comment on its reversibility.