Edwards and Sokal algorithm

The Edwards–Sokal algorithm is a method used in statistical physics and computer science to efficiently generate random configurations of models like the Ising or Potts models, which describe systems with interacting components. It works by first creating a graph where edges are randomly turned on or off based on the interaction strength, then clustering together connected components. These clusters are assigned states (such as spins) uniformly at random. This process allows for quick sampling of system states while capturing the correlations between components, facilitating studies in phase transitions and critical phenomena.