Quantum Monte Carlo estimation of complex-time correlations for the study of the ground-state dynamic structure function.

We present a method based on the path integral Monte Carlo formalism for the calculation of ground-state time correlation functions in quantum systems. The key point of the method is the consideration of time as a complex variable whose phase δ acts as an adjustable parameter. By using high-order approximations for the quantum propagator, it is possible to obtain Monte Carlo data all the way from purely imaginary time to δ values near the limit of real time.

Ground-state properties and superfluidity of two- and quasi-two-dimensional solid 4He.

In a recent study we have reported a new type of trial wavefunction symmetric under the exchange of particles, which is able to describe a supersolid phase. In this work, we use the diffusion Monte Carlo method and this model wavefunction to study the properties of solid (4)He in two- and quasi-two-dimensional geometries. In the purely two-dimensional (2D) case, we obtain results for the total ground-state energy and freezing and melting densities which are in good agreement with previous exact Monte Carlo calculations performed with a slightly different interatomic potential model.

High-order time expansion path integral ground state.

The feasibility of path integral Monte Carlo ground state calculations with very few beads using a high-order short-time Green's function expansion is discussed. An explicit expression of the evolution operator which provides dramatic enhancements in the quality of ground-state wave functions is examined. The efficiency of the method makes possible to remove the trial wave function and thus obtain completely model-independent results still with a very small number of beads.

High order Chin actions in path integral Monte Carlo.

High order actions proposed by Chin have been used for the first time in path integral Monte Carlo simulations. Contrary to the Takahashi-Imada action, which is accurate to the fourth order only for the trace, the Chin action is fully fourth order, with the additional advantage that the leading fourth-order error coefficients are finely tunable. By optimizing two free parameters entering in the new action, we show that the time step error dependence achieved is best fitted with a sixth order law.

Ground-state properties of a one-dimensional system of hard rods.

A quantum Monte Carlo simulation of a system of bosonic hard rods in one dimension is presented and discussed. The calculation is exact since the analytical form of the wave function is known and is in excellent agreement with predictions obtained from asymptotic expansions valid at large distances. The analysis of the static structure factor and the pair distribution function indicates that a solidlike and a gaslike phases exist at high and low densities, respectively.