Generalized-ensemble simulations of spin systems and protein systems Original Research Article

In complex systems such as spin systems and protein systems, conventional simulations in the canonical ensemble will get trapped in states of energy local minima. We employ the generalized-ensemble algorithms in order to overcome this multiple-minima problem. Three well-known generalized-ensemble algorithms, namely, multicanonical algorithm, simulated tempering, and replica-exchange method, are described. We then present three new generalized-ensemble algorithms based on the combinations of the three methods. Effectiveness of the new methods are tested with a Potts model and protein systems.