Stochastic Variational Approach to Few-Body Problems in Condensed Matter Physics

The stochastic variational method is a powerful approach to solve few-body problems. The variational solution of few-body problems in atomic, nuclear and condensed matter physics has greatly enhanced our knowledge of the behavior and physical properties of quantum systems. In the variational method the wave function is expanded in a suitable basis and the solution is obtained by the variation of the parameters of the basis states. The application of the stochastic variational approach to few-body problems in condensed matter physics is presented. The examples include calculation of energy spectra of atoms in magnetic field, confined atoms and trapped Fermi gases. (author)