Comment on 'Symmetry and random sampling of symmetry independent configurations for the simulation of disordered solids'

TL;DR

This paper critically evaluates a 2013 algorithm for generating symmetry independent configurations in disordered solids, comparing it with other methods and questioning its claimed advantages.

Contribution

It provides a comparative analysis of existing SIC generation methods, highlighting limitations of the 2013 algorithm and discussing alternative approaches.

Findings

The 2013 algorithm's advantages are questionable.

Exhaustive exploration and pure random sampling are viable alternatives.

Symmetry imposed approaches have distinct benefits and limitations.

Abstract

The proposed algorithm by Philippe D'Arco et al. 2013 J. Phys.: Condens. Matter 25 355401 was not well compared with other possible solutions for symmetry independent configuration (SIC) generation. In this comment, three well known solutions of SIC searching are discussed: exhaustive explorations, pure random sampling and "symmetry imposed" approaches. It is shown, that the advantages of the algorithm published by Philippe D'Arco et al. are questionable.