Searching for transition paths in multidimensional space with a fixed repulsive bias potential

Abstract

An efficient method for searching for transition paths in a multidimensional configuration space is proposed. It is based on using a fixed, locally repulsive bias potential, which forces the system to move from a given initial state to a different final state. This simple method is very effective in determining nearby configurations and possible transition paths for many-particle systems. Once the approximate transition paths are known, the corresponding activation energies can be computed using, e.g., the nudged elastic band method. The usefulness of the present method is demonstrated for both classical and quantum-mechanical systems.