Chapter 4 Monte Carlo Calculation of Electron Transport in Solids

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter reflects the growing emphasis on the use of numerical solution by computer, in the theory of electron transport phenomena in solids. In most cases of interest, the electron system may be given a quasi-classical description. This chapter also attempts to provide a “state of the art” presentation of methods, and at the same time survey the accomplished—and some potential—applications of Monte Carlo to topics in the physics of electron transport in solids. The use of an approximate or idealized value for one of the factors in a transition rate must, to some extent, degrade the accuracy of the complete calculation, compared to the potential accuracy of a pure Monte Carlo calculation where all quantities representing the system can be exact. A measure of the error might be computed, from the auxiliary function and the Monte Carlo ensemble, at the same time as the calculation itself.