Understand the Metropolis Algorithm - Physics Student Guide

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In summary, the Metropolis Algorithm is used to select accept ratios for randomly-generated configurations and is not a definition of how to select/propose new configurations. For those looking to learn more about the algorithm, recommended resources include the book "Monte Carlo Methods in Statistical Physics" by Newman and Barkema, lecture 17 and 18 from the MIT course on atomistic computer modeling of materials, the original paper by Metropolis, and the book "Understanding Molecular Simulation" which includes algorithms and pseudo-code.
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Aniket1
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Can someone tell me how the Metropolis Algorithm selects configurations for further iterations?
I am an undergraduate physics student and I don't know a lot of statistics. Also, I want to read more about the Metropolis Algorithm. Please help me with some good links.
Thank You
 
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Metropolis is a choice for chosing accept ratios for randomly-generated configurations, not a definition of how to select/propose new configurations. For books I can recommend Newman, Barkema, "Monte Carlo Methods in Statistical Physics", which is a nice and easy read but still transmits information of practical relevance.
 
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Thanks a lot. I am actually trying to work on a simulation involving the metropolis algorithm for the Ising Model and I have been given a small amount of time to finish it. Can anyone refer some links to me where I can quickly pick up the basic aspects of the algorithm?
 
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A quick and easy to follow guide is to watch lecture 17 and 18 from the course taught at MIT by Ceder and Marzari. Here is a link:

http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/material...aterials-sma-5107-spring-2005/video-lectures/

If you are keen on learning , start by Metropolis original paper! It is also readable and very informative:
http://jcp.aip.org/resource/1/jcpsa6/v21/i6/p1087_s1

Then when the time is ripe you can consult "understanding Molecular Simulation" This book has actually some algorithms and pseudo-code:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0122673514/?tag=pfamazon01-20
 
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Useful nucleus said:
A quick and easy to follow guide is to watch lecture 17 and 18 from the course taught at MIT by Ceder and Marzari. Here is a link:

http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/material...aterials-sma-5107-spring-2005/video-lectures/

If you are keen on learning , start by Metropolis original paper! It is also readable and very informative:
http://jcp.aip.org/resource/1/jcpsa6/v21/i6/p1087_s1

Then when the time is ripe you can consult "understanding Molecular Simulation" This book has actually some algorithms and pseudo-code:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0122673514/?tag=pfamazon01-20

Thanks a lot..
 
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1. What is the Metropolis algorithm?

The Metropolis algorithm is a computational method used to simulate the behavior of a physical system, particularly in statistical mechanics and molecular dynamics. It is used to generate samples from a probability distribution that is difficult to sample directly.

2. How does the Metropolis algorithm work?

The Metropolis algorithm works by simulating the evolution of a system through a series of steps. At each step, a new configuration or state is proposed and then accepted or rejected based on a probability ratio. This ratio takes into account both the energy of the proposed state and the energy of the current state.

3. What is the importance of the Metropolis algorithm in physics?

The Metropolis algorithm is important in physics because it allows us to study complex systems that are difficult to analyze analytically. It is particularly useful in studying phase transitions and critical phenomena, as well as in simulating the behavior of molecules and atoms in a system.

4. What are some limitations of the Metropolis algorithm?

One limitation of the Metropolis algorithm is that it relies on the ability to propose new configurations of the system, which can be challenging for highly complex systems. It also requires a large number of steps to accurately sample the probability distribution, which can be computationally expensive.

5. How is the Metropolis algorithm used in real-world applications?

The Metropolis algorithm is used in a variety of real-world applications, including materials science, chemistry, and biophysics. It is also widely used in machine learning as a method for optimizing parameters in models. Additionally, it has been used in computer simulations of physical systems, such as the Ising model in statistical mechanics.

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