This series explores spin glass physics, a fascinating field that connects statistical mechanics, optimization theory, and computer science. Spin glasses are disordered magnetic systems that serve as models for complex optimization problems and exhibit rich theoretical structures.

Core Concepts

Start here for an introduction to spin glass physics.

• Spin Glasses - Interactive spin glass simulation and introduction to the field
• Ising Model - The Ising model of ferromagnetism, foundational to understanding spin glasses
• Replica Symmetry Breaking - Theoretical framework for understanding the complex energy landscapes of spin glasses

Quantum Extensions

Quantum versions of spin glass models.

• Quantum Spin Glass - Quantum spin glass models and their properties

Optimization and Algorithms

Spin glasses as models for optimization problems and computational methods.

• Simulated Annealing - Optimization algorithms with interactive demos, inspired by spin glass physics
• Markov Chains, Traveling Salesman and Spin Glasses - Connections between optimization problems, Markov chains, and spin glass models

Reading Paths

For Beginners

1. Start with Spin Glasses for an interactive introduction
2. Read Ising Model to understand the foundational model
3. Explore Simulated Annealing to see practical applications

For Those Interested in Optimization

1. Markov Chains, Traveling Salesman and Spin Glasses for connections to optimization
2. Simulated Annealing for algorithms
3. Spin Glasses for the underlying physics

For Theoretical Physics

1. Ising Model for foundations
2. Replica Symmetry Breaking for theoretical framework
3. Quantum Spin Glass for quantum extensions

Related Content

For connections to related topics:

• Statistical Mechanics - Statistical approaches to understanding physical systems
• Quantum Computing - Quantum computing and quantum mechanics
• Computer Science - Computational theory and algorithms