High-order convergent expansions for quantum many particle systems

We review recent advances in the calculations of high-order convergent expansions for quantum many-particle systems. Calculations for ground state properties, including correlation functions and static susceptibilities, for spin models as well as for models of many fermions, such as Hubbard and Kondo models, are discussed. A historical perspective to the subject is provided. Recently important technical advances have been made in perturbative calculations of the excitation spectra of quantum many-particle systems, which enable the calculation of these spectra to high orders. The method, along with its applications, are explained. Fairly comprehensive, though simplified, algorithms for generating lists of relevant clusters, their lattice embeddings and subclusters are presented. The perturbative recursion relations and their computer implementation are also discussed in detail. A compilation is made of various series expansion studies that have been carried out for condensed matter problems. The scope and limitations of these methods are explained, and several open problems are noted.