Monte Carlo study of quantized SU(2) gauge theory

Abstract

Using Monte Carlo techniques, we evaluate path integrals for pure SU(2) gauge fields. Wilson's regularization procedure on a lattice of up to ${10}^4$ sites controls ultraviolet divergences. Our renormalization prescription, based on confinement, is to hold fixed the string tension, the coefficient of the asymptotic linear potential between sources in the fundamental representation of the gauge group. Upon reducing the cutoff, we observe a logarithmic decrease of the bare coupling constant in a manner consistent with the perturbative renormalization-group prediction. This supports the coexistence of confinement and asymptotic freedom for quantized non-Abelian gauge fields.