Stochastic Estimation with Z2Z_2 Noise

We introduce a $Z_2$ noise for the stochastic estimation of matrix inversion and discuss its superiority over other noises including the Gaussian noise. This algorithm is applied to the calculation of quark loops in lattice quantum chromodynamics that involves diagonal and off-diagonal traces of the inverse matrix. We will point out its usefulness in its applications to estimating determinants, eigenvalues, and eigenvectors, as well as its limitations based on the structure of the inverse matrix.Comment: 6 pages, 1 postscript figure, UK/93-0

Phase diagrams, critical and multicritical behavior of hard-core Bose-Hubbard models

We determine the zero-temperature phase diagram of the hard-core Bose-Hubbard model on a square lattice by mean-field theory supplemented by a linear spin-wave analysis. Due to the interplay between nearest and next-nearest neighbor interaction and cubic anisotropy several supersolid phases with checkerboard, stripe domain or intermediate symmetry are stabilized. The phase diagrams show three different topologies depending on the relative strength of nearest and next-nearest neighbor interaction. We also find a rich variety of new quantum critical behavior and multicritical points and discuss the corresponding effective actions and universality classes.Comment: 19 pages, ReVTeX, 18 figures included, submitted to PR