Mean-value identities as an opportunity for Monte Carlo error reduction

In the Monte Carlo simulation of both Lattice field-theories and of models of Statistical Mechanics, identities verified by exact mean-values such as Schwinger-Dyson equations, Guerra relations, Callen identities, etc., provide well known and sensitive tests of thermalization bias as well as checks of pseudo random number generators. We point out that they can be further exploited as "control variates" to reduce statistical errors. The strategy is general, very simple, and almost costless in CPU time. The method is demonstrated in the two dimensional Ising model at criticality, where the CPU gain factor lies between 2 and 4.Comment: 10 pages, 2 tables. References updated and typos correcte

Optimized Monte Carlo Method for glasses

A new Monte Carlo algorithm is introduced for the simulation of supercooled liquids and glass formers, and tested in two model glasses. The algorithm is shown to thermalize well below the Mode Coupling temperature and to outperform other optimized Monte Carlo methods. Using the algorithm, we obtain finite size effects in the specific heat. This effect points to the existence of a large correlation length measurable in equal time correlation functions.Comment: Proceedings of "X International workshop on Disordered Systems" held in Molveno (Italy), March 200

Finite size effects in the specific heat of glass-formers

We report clear finite size effects in the specific heat and in the relaxation times of a model glass former at temperatures considerably smaller than the Mode Coupling transition. A crucial ingredient to reach this result is a new Monte Carlo algorithm which allows us to reduce the relaxation time by two order of magnitudes. These effects signal the existence of a large correlation length in static quantities.Comment: Proceeding of "3rd International Workshop on Complex Systems". Sendai (Japan). To appear on AIP Conference serie

The cumulative overlap distribution function in realistic spin glasses

We use a sample-dependent analysis, based on medians and quantiles, to analyze the behavior of the overlap probability distribution of the Sherrington-Kirkpatrick and 3D Edwards-Anderson models of Ising spin glasses. We find that this approach is an effective tool to distinguish between RSB-like and droplet-like behavior of the spin-glass phase. Our results are in agreement with a RSB-like behavior for the 3D Edwards-Anderson model.Comment: Version accepted in PRB. 12 pages, 10 figure

Temperature chaos in 3D Ising Spin Glasses is driven by rare events

Temperature chaos has often been reported in literature as a rare-event driven phenomenon. However, this fact has always been ignored in the data analysis, thus erasing the signal of the chaotic behavior (still rare in the sizes achieved) and leading to an overall picture of a weak and gradual phenomenon. On the contrary, our analysis relies on a large-deviations functional that allows to discuss the size dependencies. In addition, we had at our disposal unprecedentedly large configurations equilibrated at low temperatures, thanks to the Janus computer. According to our results, when temperature chaos occurs its effects are strong and can be felt even at short distances.Comment: 5 pages, 5 figure

Numerical test of the Cardy-Jacobsen conjecture in the site-diluted Potts model in three dimensions

We present a microcanonical Monte Carlo simulation of the site-diluted Potts model in three dimensions with eight internal states, partly carried out in the citizen supercomputer Ibercivis. Upon dilution, the pure model's first-order transition becomes of the second-order at a tricritical point. We compute accurately the critical exponents at the tricritical point. As expected from the Cardy-Jacobsen conjecture, they are compatible with their Random Field Ising Model counterpart. The conclusion is further reinforced by comparison with older data for the Potts model with four states.Comment: Final version. 9 pages, 9 figure

Abundance ratios of volatile vs. refractory elements in planet-harbouring stars: hints of pollution?

We present the [X/H] trends as function of the elemental condensation temperature Tc in 88 planet host stars and in a volume-limited comparison sample of 33 dwarfs without detected planetary companions. We gathered homogeneous abundance results for many volatile and refractory elements spanning a wide range of Tc, from a few dozens to several hundreds kelvin. We investigate possible anomalous trends of planet hosts with respect to comparison sample stars in order to detect evidence of possible pollution events. No significant differences are found in the behaviour of stars with and without planets. This result is in agreement with a ``primordial'' origin of the metal excess in planet host stars. However, a subgroup of 5 planet host and 1 comparison sample stars stands out for having particularly high [X/H] vs. Tc slopes.Comment: 10 pages, 7 figures, accepted for publication in A&A. Figures with higher resolution are available at www.iac.es/proyect/abuntes

Lattice-Spin Mechanism in Colossal Magnetoresistant Manganites

We present a single-orbital double-exchange model, coupled with cooperative phonons (the so called breathing-modes of the oxygen octahedra in manganites). The model is studied with Monte Carlo simulations. For a finite range of doping and coupling constants, a first-order Metal-Insulator phase transition is found, that coincides with the Paramagnetic-Ferromagnetic phase transition. The insulating state is due to the self-trapping of every carrier within an oxygen octahedron distortion.Comment: 4 pages, 5 figures, ReVTeX macro, accepted for publication in PR