A limit theorem for probabilities related to the random bombardment of a square (Q1102024)

The unit square S is bombarded by points thrown independently onto S according to a uniform distribution. A u-square US is a square with dimensions \(u\times u\), \(0<u<1\), lying within S and with sides parallel to those of S. Say that an n-success occurs if there is at least one US which contains none of the first n points in its interior. Let \(p_ n(u)=P(n\)-success); it is proved that for any u, \(0<u<1\), \[ \lim_{n\to \infty}p_ n(u)/n^ 2(1-u^ 2)^ n=L(u),\quad 0<L(u)<\infty,\quad exists. \] The precise values of L(u) remain undetermined, but the method enables estimates to be obtained. The method of proof involves discretizing the problem and then making estimates using elementary probability ideas, especially Bonferroni's inequalities. This work extends the author's earlier study of this problem [Probability theory, Proc. 7th Conf., Brasov/Rom. 1982, 199-204 (1984; Zbl 0614.60015)].