A Guide to Monte Carlo Simulations in Statistical Physics

Unique coverage of Monte Carlo methods for both continuum and lattice systems, explaining particularly analysis of phase transitions.

David Landau (Author), Kurt Binder (Author)

9781108490146, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 29 July 2021

578 pages
25.1 x 17.5 x 3.2 cm, 1.24 kg

'… a comprehensive guide through the multifaceted world of Monte Carlo methods in physics and related branches of science. This work can be recommended to students starting their way in statistical physics simulations as well as to established researchers who needed a fast reference to some particular issues because it comprises a sequential line of explanations with a well-organized compendium of methods and recipes supplied with lists of original papers.' Eugene Postnikov, zbMATH

Dealing with all aspects of Monte Carlo simulation of complex physical systems encountered in condensed matter physics and statistical mechanics, this book provides an introduction to computer simulations in physics. The 5th edition contains extensive new material describing numerous powerful algorithms and methods that represent recent developments in the field. New topics such as active matter and machine learning are also introduced. Throughout, there are many applications, examples, recipes, case studies, and exercises to help the reader fully comprehend the material. This book is ideal for graduate students and researchers, both in academia and industry, who want to learn techniques that have become a third tool of physical science, complementing experiment and analytical theory.

1. Introduction
2. Some Necessary Background
3. Simple Sampling Monte Carlo Methods
4. Importance Sampling Monte Carlo Methods
5. More on Importance Sampling Monte Carlo Methods for Lattice Systems
6. Off-Lattice Models
7. Reweighting Methods
8. Quantum Monte Carlo Methods
9. Monte Carlo Renormalization Group Methods
10. Non-Equilibrium and Irreversible Processes
11. Lattice Gauge Models: A Brief Introduction
12. A Brief Review of Other Methods of Computer Simulation
13. Monte Carlo Simulations at the Periphery of Physics and Beyond
14. Monte Carlo Studies of Biological Molecules
15. Emerging Trends
Index.

Subject Areas: Statistical physics [PHS], Condensed matter physics [liquid state & solid state physics PHFC], Mathematical modelling [PBWH]