Fast algorithm for Monte Carlo simulations of systems with fermions

Abstract

A fast algorithm for computing the effects of the fermionic determinant in a lattice field theory is presented which involves only local field updates. The method makes use of bosonic pseudofermion fields, but differs from other pseudofermion techniques in that it has no built-in systematic error. In particular, the magnitude of changes in the gauge field from one configuration to the next need not be restricted. The method is successfully demonstrated in a two-dimensional U(1) lattice gauge theory coupled to spinless fermions.