Transition-Path Theory and Path-Finding Algorithms for the Study of Rare Events

2008/11/11 by E Weinan, Weinan E, Eric Vanden-Eijnden +1 · 646 citations
Chemistry · Mathematics · Physics and Astronomy · #Algorithm #Chemistry #Cold Atom Physics and Bose-Einstein Condensates #Computer science #Geometry #Mathematics #Path (computing) #Physics #Point (geometry) #Quantum mechanics #Quantum, superfluid, helium dynamics #Rare events #Statistical physics #Theoretical and Computational Physics #Transition (genetics) #Transition point #Transition state theory

paper · doi:10.1146/annurev.physchem.040808.090412

published in Annual Review of Physical Chemistry 61(1), 391-420 (Annual Reviews)

openalex publication_date 2008/11/11 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/29

Abstract

Transition-path theory is a theoretical framework for describing rare events in complex systems. It can also be used as a starting point for developing efficient numerical algorithms for analyzing such rare events. Here we review the basic components of transition-path theory and path-finding algorithms. We also discuss connections with the classical transition-state theory.

Citations

• A dimer method for finding saddle points on high dimensional potential surfaces using only first derivatives
• Towards a Theory of Transition Paths

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