NEW MONTE-CARLO METHODS FOR IMPROVED EFFICIENCY OF COMPUTER-SIMULATIONS IN STATISTICAL-MECHANICS

In the past few years, new approaches to Monte Carlo simulations have produced substantial improvements in efficiency for both simulation and data analysis. This paper reviews recent developments in simulational methods to overcome problems due to the long relaxation times related to "critical slowing down", under the general category of "cluster methods". We also discuss general "histogram methods" for improving the efficiency of the data analysis. These methods are described along with their advantages, disadvantages and some new applications.