INVADED CLUSTER ALGORITHM FOR POTTS MODELS

The invaded cluster algorithm, a method for simulating phase transitio ns, is described in detail. Theoretical, albeit nonrigorous, justifica tion of the method is presented and the algorithm is applied to Potts models in two and three dimensions. The algorithm is shown to be usefu l for both first-order and continuous transitions and evidently provid es an efficient way to distinguish between these possibilities. The dy namic properties ol the invaded cluster algorithm are studied. Numeric al evidence suggests that the algorithm has no critical slowing for Is ing models.