A Monte Carlo algorithm for studying phase transition in systems of hard rigid rods

We present a Monte Carlo algorithm for studying the equilibrium properties of hard rod fluids having only excluded volume interactions. The algorithm does not suffer from slow-down due to jamming even at densities close to the maximum possible. Implementing this algorithm on a two dimensional square lattice, we show the existence of a transition from an ordered nematic phase to a disordered phase at a critical density ≈ 0.910, for rods of length 7.