Including Quantum Effects in Molecular Simulations Using the Feynman–Kleinert Linearized Path Integral Method

During the last few decades, several approximate, but useful, methods for including dynamical quantum effects in molecular simulations have been developed. These methods can be applied to systems with hundreds of degrees of freedom and with arbitrary potentials. Among these methods, we find the Feynman–Kleinert linearized path integral model, including its planetary versions, which are the focus of this review. The aim is to calculate quantum correlation functions for complex systems. Many important properties, e.g., transport coefficients, may thus be obtained. We summarize important applications of the method, and compare them to alternative ones, such as centroid molecular dynamics and ring polymer molecular dynamics. We finally discuss possible future improvements of the FK-LPI method.