A Guide to Monte Carlo Simulations in Statistical Physics

by David P. Landau, Kurt Binder

Overview

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. This edition now contains material describing powerful new algorithms that have appeared since the previous edition was published, and highlights recent technical advances and key applications that these algorithms now make possible. Updates also include several new sections and a chapter on the use of Monte Carlo simulations of biological molecules. Throughout the book there are many applications, examples, recipes, case studies, and exercises to help the reader understand the material. It 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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781139636698
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	09/10/2009
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	41 MB
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About the Author

David P. Landau is the Distinguished Research Professor of Physics and founding Director of the Center for Simulational Physics at the University of Georgia, USA.

Kurt Binder is Professor Emeritus of Theoretical Physics and Gutenberg Fellow at the Institut für Physik, Johannes Gutenberg Universität, Mainz, Germany.

Table of Contents

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. Outlook; Appendix: listing of programs mentioned in the text; Index.

Editorial Reviews

Review of the first edition: 'This book will serve as a useful introduction to those entering the field, while for those already versed in the subject it provides a timely survey of what has been achieved.' D. C. Rapaport, Journal of Statistical Physics

From the Publisher