New Monte Carlo technique for studying phase transitions

TLDR

The method applies broadly to statistical models and lattice‑gauge theories. The study introduces a new Monte Carlo data‑analysis method that can boost efficiency by at least two orders of magnitude. The method derives full thermodynamic information across the scaling region from a single Monte Carlo simulation. The method’s accuracy is confirmed against exact d=2 Ising results, and it yields new data for the d=2 eight‑state Potts model.

Abstract

We present a new method for using the data from Monte Carlo simulations that can increase the efficiency by 2 or more orders of magnitude. A single Monte Carlo simulation is sufficient to obtain complete thermodynamic information over the entire scaling region near a phase transition. The accuracy of the method is demonstrated by comparison with exact results for the d=2 Ising model. New results for d=2 eight-state Potts model are also presented. The method is generally applicable to statistical models and lattice-gauge theories.