Monte Carlo Simulation in Statistical Physics

Monte Carlo Simulation in Statistical Physics deals with the computer simulation of many-body systems in condensed-matter physics and related fields of physics, chemistry and beyond, to traffic flows, stock market fluctuations, etc.). Using random numbers generated by a computer, probability distributions are calculated, allowing the estimation of the thermodynamic properties of various systems. This book describes the theoretical background to several variants of these Monte Carlo methodsand gives a systematic presentation from which newcomers can learn to perform such simulations and to analyze their results. The fifth edition covers Classical as well as Quantum Monte Carlo methods. Furthermore a new chapter on the sampling of free energy landscapes has been added. To help students in their work a special web server has been installed to host programs and discussion groups (http://wwwcp.tphys.uni-heidelberg.de). Prof. Binder was the winner of the Berni J. Alder CECAM Award for Computational Physics 2001 as well as the Boltzmann Medal in 2007.

The 5th edition of this successful graduate textbook now covers not only quantum Monte Carlo methods but also classical methods Authored by pioneers in the development of Monte Carlo simulations Summarizes the basics and current state of the art in Monte Carlo simulations Covers problems of statistical physics, quantum physics and chemistry Useful reference to researchers Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Contenu
Introduction: Purpose and Scope of This Volume, and Some General Comments.- Theoretical Foundations of the Monte Carlo Method and Its Applications in Statistical Physics.- Guide to Practical Work with the Monte Carlo Method.- Some Important Recent Developments of the Monte Carlo Methodology.- Quantum Monte Carlo Simulations: An Introduction.- Monte Carlo Methods for the Sampling of Free Energy Landscapes.