Free-energy of solids: origins and consequences of the 1983 CECAM workshop

This lecture delves into the historical significance of the 1983 CECAM workshop on the free-energy of solids, exploring the development of free-energy methods for hard-core models. It covers the thermodynamics of hard spheres, the use of the Einstein crystal as a reference state, and the challenges in determining phase boundaries and critical points. The workshop's impact on the stability of crystal structures, the relative stability of different phases, and the application of thermodynamic integration are discussed. The presentation also touches upon the contributions of key figures like Tony Ladd and Daan Frenkel, highlighting the workshop's role in advancing free-energy techniques and understanding the thermodynamic properties of solids.