Difference of energy density of states in the Wang-Landau algorithm

Abstract: Paying attention to the difference of density of states, \Delta ln g(E) = ln g(E+\Delta E) - ln g(E), we study the convergence of the Wang-Landau method. We show that this quantity is a good estimator to discuss the errors of convergence, and refer to the $1/t$ algorithm. We also examine the behavior of the 1st-order transition with this difference of density of states in connection with Maxwell's equal area rule. A general procedure to judge the order of transition is given.