New Monte Carlo algorithms for classical spin systems

Abstract

We describe a number of recently developed cluster-flipping algorithms for the efficient simulation of classical spin models near their critical temperature. These include the algorithms of Wolff, Swendsen and Wang, and Niedermeyer, as well as the limited cluster algorithm, the multigrid methods of Kandel and co-workers, and the invaded cluster algorithm. We describe the application of these algorithms to Ising, Potts, and continuous spin models. This paper is a review to appear in "Monte Carlo Methods in Chemical Physics", D. Ferguson, J. I. Siepmann, and D. G. Truhlar (eds.), Wiley, New York (1997).