Short Course Description
Lattice field theory defines a quantum field theory with a space-time cutoff from the beginning. This permits the application of many manipulations beyond the reach of Feynman-diagram perturbation theory, as well as numerical calculations of non-perturbative properties; the continuum limit is taken at the end of any calculation. The course introduces the lattice formulation of quantum chromodynamics and related field theories; its application to the non-perturbative problems of quark confinement, chiral symmetry breaking, and phase transitions at nonzero temperature; use of the renormalization group in taking the continuum limit. It will cover the subtleties of defining fermionic fields on a lattice. The bulk of modern work is numerical, using supercomputers, and so numerical Monte Carlo methods will be described, as well as current subjects such as the calculation of scattering amplitudes.
Full syllabus is to be published
