Wolff algorithm

The Wolff algorithm is a Monte Carlo algorithm for the simulation of statistical processes, in particular the Ising model.

Wolff algorithm is one of the clustering algorithms, which are particularly effective in the range of phase transitions. Cluster algorithms require in the vicinity of the critical temperature is significantly less computing time than local algorithms since it is the divergence of the auto-correlation time near phase transitions - counter - the critical slowing down. In contrast to local algorithms such as the Metropolis algorithm, not individual local updates are performed sequentially when Wolff algorithm, but changes your whole cluster at once. This far -reaching, especially in the vicinity of the critical temperature correlations are reduced. For simulations far away from the critical point, however, the Wolff algorithm is less effective than local algorithms.

Was developed the algorithm in 1989 by German physics professor Ulrich Wolff, who is currently working at the Humboldt University in Berlin.