Inherent structure formalism for quantum systems

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Abstract
A theoretical procedure in classical statistical mechanics, using configurational mapping to distinguish particle packing effects from vibrational smearing effects, has previously been developed for understanding short-range order in condensed phases. The present paper exhibits the generalization to quantum systems with arbitrary spin, but with spin-independent Hamiltonians. Remarks are included indicating how the popular path-integral Monte Carlo method for simulating quantal many-body systems via digital computer can be adapted to determine inherent packing structure. It is predicted that quantum effects in both liquid and solid phases tend to produce inherent structures that are more porous, defective, and higher in energy than their classical counterparts.