Classification on the Computational Complexity of Spin Models

Abstract

In this note, we provide a unifying framework to investigate the computational complexity of classical spin models and give the full classification on spin models in terms of system dimensions, randomness, external magnetic fields and types of spin coupling. We further discuss about the implications of NP-complete Hamiltonian models in physics and the fundamental limitations of all numerical methods imposed by such models. We conclude by a brief discussion on the picture when quantum computation and quantum complexity theory are included.