Monte Carlo Simulation in Statistical Physics: An Introduction

Description

The sixth edition of this highly successful textbook provides a detailed introduction to Monte Carlo simulation in statistical physics, which deals with the computer simulation of many-body systems in condensed matter physics and related fields of physics and beyond (traffic flows, stock market fluctuations, etc.). Using random numbers generated by a computer, these powerful simulation methods calculate probability distributions, making it possible to estimate the thermodynamic properties of various systems. The book describes the theoretical background of these methods, enabling newcomers to perform such simulations and to analyse their results. It features a modular structure, with two chapters providing a basic pedagogic introduction plus exercises suitable for university courses; the remaining chapters cover major recent developments in the field. This edition has been updated with two new chapters dealing with recently developed powerful special algorithms and with finite size scaling tools for the study of interfacial phenomena, which are important for nanoscience. Previous editions have been highly praised and widely used by both students and advanced researchers. Front Matter ....Pages i-xvii Introduction: Purpose and Scope of This Volume, and Some General Comments (Kurt Binder, Dieter W. Heermann)....Pages 1-4 Front Matter ....Pages 5-5 Theoretical Foundations of the Monte Carlo Method and Its Applications in Statistical Physics (Kurt Binder, Dieter W. Heermann)....Pages 7-70 Guide to Practical Work with the Monte Carlo Method (Kurt Binder, Dieter W. Heermann)....Pages 71-112 Front Matter ....Pages 113-113 Cluster Algorithms and Reweighting Methods (Kurt Binder, Dieter W. Heermann)....Pages 115-134 Quantum Monte Carlo Simulations: An Introduction (Kurt Binder, Dieter W. Heermann)....Pages 135-156 Monte Carlo Methods for the Sampling of Free Energy Landscapes (Kurt Binder, Dieter W. Heermann)....Pages 157-177 Rejection-Free Monte Carlo (Kurt Binder, Dieter W. Heermann)....Pages 179-190 Finite Size Scaling Tools for the Study of Interfacial Phenomena and Wetting (Kurt Binder, Dieter W. Heermann)....Pages 191-225 Back Matter ....Pages 227-258