Paper 2, Section II, K
Part II, 2019
Let be a Markov chain on the non-negative integers with generator given by
for a given collection of positive numbers .
(a) State the transition matrix of the jump chain of .
(b) Why is not reversible?
(c) Prove that is transient if and only if .
(d) Assume that . Derive a necessary and sufficient condition on the parameters for to be explosive.
(e) Derive a necessary and sufficient condition on the parameters for the existence of an invariant measure for .
[You may use any general results from the course concerning Markov chains and pure birth processes so long as they are clearly stated.]