7. Markov chains with exponential transitions
7.1. Model definition 
 
 
7.2. The reduction principle 
 
 
7.3. Excursion from a domain 
 
 
7.4. Fast reduction algorithm 
 
 
7.5. Elevation function and cycle decomposition 
 
 
7.6. Mean hitting times and ordered reduction 
 
 
7.7. Convergence speeds 
 
 
7.8. Generalized simulated annealing algorithm