The logarithmic correlation-decay threshold for Poisson approximation of largest gaps

Let ff be a smooth stationary Gaussian process, let K(r)K(r) denote its correlation function, and let the Poisson approximation refer to the approximation for the locations and sizes of its largest gaps. There exists a γ0>0\gamma_0>0 such that the Poisson approximation is valid for every smooth SGP satisfying

K(r)(logr)γ0K(r)(\log r)^{\gamma'}\to 0

as rr\to\infty for some γ>γ0\gamma'>\gamma_0, but not necessarily if

K(r)(logr)γK(r)(\log r)^{\gamma'}\to\infty

as rr\to\infty for some γ<γ0\gamma'<\gamma_0. Logarithmic correlation-decay threshold conjecture. There exists a threshold exponent γ0>0\gamma_0>0 separating a regime in which the Poisson approximation holds for all such smooth stationary Gaussian processes from a regime in which it need not hold. The paper establishes the Poisson approximation under stronger decay assumptions, while the precise threshold and the possible failure below it remain open.

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Primary source

Renjie Feng and Stephen Muirhead, “Poisson approximation of the largest gaps between zeros of a stationary Gaussian process”, arXiv:2605.22146 (2026).

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