Algorithmic overlaps as thermodynamic variables: from local to cluster Monte Carlo dynamics in critical phenomena

Fuente: arXiv
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Main Authors: Pilé, Ian, Deng, Youjin, Shchur, Lev
Format: Preprint
Published: 2026
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author Pilé, Ian
Deng, Youjin
Shchur, Lev
author_facet Pilé, Ian
Deng, Youjin
Shchur, Lev
contents We investigate the spatial overlap of successive spin configurations in Markov chain Monte Carlo simulations using the local Metropolis algorithm and the Swendsen-Wang and Wolff cluster algorithms. We examine the dynamics of these algorithms for two models in different universality classes: the Ising model and the Potts model with three components. The overlap of two successive Wolff clusters reflects critical behavior and can be used as an order parameter for the algorithm's dynamics. In the case of the Swendsen-Wang algorithm, similar behavior is demonstrated by the variation in the overlap of two consecutive lattice configurations, which behaves like order parameter. Nothing similar is observed for the Metropolis algorithm, and the dynamics in the critical region are determined by the spin flip frequency, which is equivalent to the acceptance rate. Thus, the critical behavior of Wolff cluster overlap and the variation of configuration overlap in the Swendsen-Wang algorithm are naturally related to the critical behavior of geometric objects - Fortuin-Kastelein clusters. Interestingly, in all cases, the geometric quantity - configuration overlap or its variation - reflects the thermodynamics of the phase transition.
format Preprint
id arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2604_10254
institution arXiv
publishDate 2026
record_format arxiv
spellingShingle Algorithmic overlaps as thermodynamic variables: from local to cluster Monte Carlo dynamics in critical phenomena
Pilé, Ian
Deng, Youjin
Shchur, Lev
Statistical Mechanics
We investigate the spatial overlap of successive spin configurations in Markov chain Monte Carlo simulations using the local Metropolis algorithm and the Swendsen-Wang and Wolff cluster algorithms. We examine the dynamics of these algorithms for two models in different universality classes: the Ising model and the Potts model with three components. The overlap of two successive Wolff clusters reflects critical behavior and can be used as an order parameter for the algorithm's dynamics. In the case of the Swendsen-Wang algorithm, similar behavior is demonstrated by the variation in the overlap of two consecutive lattice configurations, which behaves like order parameter. Nothing similar is observed for the Metropolis algorithm, and the dynamics in the critical region are determined by the spin flip frequency, which is equivalent to the acceptance rate. Thus, the critical behavior of Wolff cluster overlap and the variation of configuration overlap in the Swendsen-Wang algorithm are naturally related to the critical behavior of geometric objects - Fortuin-Kastelein clusters. Interestingly, in all cases, the geometric quantity - configuration overlap or its variation - reflects the thermodynamics of the phase transition.
title Algorithmic overlaps as thermodynamic variables: from local to cluster Monte Carlo dynamics in critical phenomena
topic Statistical Mechanics
url https://arxiv.org/abs/2604.10254