Monte Carlo Evaluation of Functional Integrals Using Coherent-State Slater Determinants

Abstract

The feasibility of using Monte Carlo methods in finite fermion systems has been investigated. The basic tool is a (recently suggested) functional integral representation of $Z=\mathrm{tr}\left[\exp \right(-\beta II\left)\right]$ using real coherent states of Slater determinants. Conditions for using the discretized ($N$-point lattice) version as a starting point for Monte Carlo integrations are studied. The limit of large $\beta$ is achieved only with large $\surd N$. For a two-fermion system numerical calculations of the ground-state energy agree farily well with the exact value.