Zone methods and the fermion sign problem

We review a recently proposed approach to the problem of alternating signs for fermionic many body Monte Carlo simulations in finite temperature simulations. We derive an estimate for fermion wandering lengths and introduce the notion of permutation zones, special regions of the lattice where identical fermions may interchange and outside of which they may not. Using successively larger permutation zones, one can extrapolate to obtain thermodynamic observables in regimes where direct simulation is impossible.Comment: 3 pages, 1 figure, Lattice2002(algor

The Solid-on-Solid Surface Width Around the Roughening Transition

We investigate the surface width $W$ of solid-on-solid surfaces in the vicinity of the roughening temperature $T_r$. Above $T_r$, $W^2$ is expected to diverge with the system size $L$ like $\ln L$. However, close to $T_r$ a clean $\ln{L}$ behavior can only be seen on extremely large lattices. Starting from the Kosterlitz-Thouless renormalization group, we derive an improved formula that describes the small $L$ behavior on both sides of $T_r$. For the Discrete Gaussian model, we used the valleys-to-mountains-reflections cluster algorithm in order to simulate the fluctuating solid-on-solid surface. The base plane above which the surface is defined is an $L \times L$ square lattice. In the simulation we took $8\leq L\leq 256$. The improved formula fits the numerical results very well. {}From the analysis, we estimate the roughening temperature to be $T_r = 0.755(3)$.Comment: 9 pages, LaTeX (no figures), FSU-SCRI-93-67, CERN-TH.6893/9

Scaling in the two-dimensional U(1)--Higgs model

We study the continuum limit of the $2D$ U(1)--Higgs model with variable scalar field length, which is qualitatively different from the fixed length case. Our simulations concentrate on the scaling behaviour of the topological susceptibility, and an instanton-induced confinement mechanism of fractional charges is numerically confirmed.Comment: Talk presented at LATTICE96(topology), 3 pages, latex2e, 2 Postscript figures, uses packages epsfig and espcrc

Monte Carlo Renormalization Group Study of the d=1 XXZ Model

We report current progress on the synthesis of methods to alleviate two major difficulties in implementing a Monte Carlo Renormalization Group (MCRG) for quantum systems. In particular, we have utilized the loop-algorithm to reduce critical slowing down, and we have implemented an MCRG method in which the symmetries of the classical equivalent model need not be fully understood, since the Renormalization Group is given by the Monte Carlo simulation. We report preliminary results obtained when the resulting MCRG method is applied to the d=1 XXZ model. Our results are encouraging. However, since this model has a Kosterlitz-Thouless transition, it does not yet provide a full test of our MCRG method.Comment: To appear in "Quantum Monte Carlo Methods in Condensed Matter Physics", ed.\ M. Suzuki, World Scientific, 1993. 14 pages, LaTeX, (3 figures available on request), FSU-SCRI-93-11

Dgsos on DTRS

We perform simulations of a discrete gaussian solid on solid (DGSOS) model on dynamical $\phi^3$ graphs, which is equivalent to coupling the model to 2d quantum gravity, using the cluster algorithms recently developed by Evertz et.al.for use on fixed lattices. We find evidence from the growth of the width-squared in the rough phase of KT-like behaviour, which is consistent with theoretical expectations. We also investigate the cluster statistics, dynamical critical exponent and lattice properties, and compare these with the dual XY model.Comment: 9 pages, COLO-HEP-32

Solving the Complex Phase Problem in a QCD Related Model

We discuss an effective theory for QCD at finite chemical potential and non-zero temperature, where QCD is reduced to its center degrees of freedom. The effective action can be mapped to a flux representation, where the complex phase problem is solved and the theory accessible to Monte Carlo techniques. In this work, we use a generalized Prokof'ev-Svistunov worm algorithm to perform the simulations and determine the phase diagram as a function of temperature, quark mass and chemical potential. It turns out that the transition is qualitatively as expected for QCD.Comment: 6 pages and 3 figures, proceedings for "Excited QCD", Les Houches, France, 20 - 25 February, 201