Testing Algorithms for Finite Temperature Lattice QCD Original Research Article

We discuss recent algorithmic improvements in simulating finite temperature QCD on a lattice. In particular, the Rational Hybrid Monte Carlo(RHMC) algorithm is employed to generate lattice configurations for 2+1 flavor QCD. Unlike the Hybrid R Algorithm, RHMC is reversible, admitting a Metropolis accept/reject step that eliminates the O(δt2) errors inherent in the R Algorithm. We also employ several algorithmic speed-ups, including multiple time scales, the use of a more efficient numerical integrator, and Hasenbusch pre-conditioning of the fermion force.