Advanced Monte Carlo Techniques

Abstract

ABSTRACT. This Chapter starts with a description of Monte Carlo techniques to study many-body systems in the canonical (constant-NVT), isobaric-isothermal (constant-NPT) and grand-canonical (constant-pVT) ensembles. Subsequently, I give a unified description of two families of 'smart' Monte Carlo schemes, namely Swendsen-Wang-style cluster moves, and configurational-bias MC techniques for collective moves of pre-selected particles. Next, I briefly discuss free-energy calculations in the context of first-order phase transitions. I conclude with a discussion of recent advances in grand-canonical simulations of (hybrid) lattice models.