Optimized Monte Carlo Method for glasses

TL;DR

This paper introduces an optimized Monte Carlo algorithm for simulating glasses, demonstrating improved thermalization and revealing finite size effects indicative of large correlation lengths in supercooled liquids.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel Monte Carlo algorithm that outperforms existing methods in simulating supercooled liquids and glasses, especially below the Mode Coupling temperature.

Findings

Algorithm thermalizes well below Mode Coupling temperature

Finite size effects observed in specific heat measurements

Large correlation length detectable in equal time correlation functions

Abstract

A new Monte Carlo algorithm is introduced for the simulation of supercooled liquids and glass formers, and tested in two model glasses. The algorithm is shown to thermalize well below the Mode Coupling temperature and to outperform other optimized Monte Carlo methods. Using the algorithm, we obtain finite size effects in the specific heat. This effect points to the existence of a large correlation length measurable in equal time correlation functions.