Editing Lattice gauge theory (section)

{{Quantum field theory}}
{{short description|Theory of quantum gauge fields on a lattice}}

In [[physics]], '''lattice gauge theory''' is the study of [[Gauge theory|gauge theories]] on a spacetime that has been [[Discretization|discretized]] into a [[lattice (group)|lattice]].

Gauge theories are important in [[particle physics]], and include the prevailing theories of [[elementary particle]]s: [[quantum electrodynamics]], [[quantum chromodynamics]] (QCD) and particle physics' [[Standard Model]]. [[Non-perturbative]] gauge theory calculations in continuous spacetime formally involve evaluating an infinite-dimensional [[Path integral formulation|path integral]], which is computationally intractable. By working on a discrete [[spacetime]], the [[Functional integration|path integral]] becomes finite-dimensional, and can be evaluated by [[stochastic simulation]] techniques such as the [[Monte Carlo method]].  When the size of the lattice is taken infinitely large and its sites infinitesimally close to each other, the continuum gauge theory is recovered.<ref name="wilson">{{cite journal | authorlink=Kenneth G. Wilson | first=K. | last= Wilson | journal=[[Physical Review D]]| volume=10 | issue=8 | page=2445 | title=Confinement of quarks | year= 1974 | doi=10.1103/PhysRevD.10.2445|bibcode = 1974PhRvD..10.2445W }}</ref>