title: Algorithm for normal random numbers.
abstract: We propose a simple algorithm for generating normally distributed pseudorandom numbers. The algorithm simulates N molecules that exchange energy among themselves following a simple stochastic rule. We prove that the system is ergodic, and that a Maxwell-like distribution that may be used as a source of normally distributed random deviates follows in the N-->infinity limit. The algorithm passes various performance tests, including Monte Carlo simulation of a finite two-dimensional Ising model using Wolff's algorithm. It only requires four simple lines of computer code, and is approximately ten times faster than the Box-Muller algorithm.
authors.affiliation: Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Aragón, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, and Universidad de Zaragoza, 50009-Zaragoza, Spain.
authors.forename: J F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Fernández
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Criado