Lattice Gauge Theory - QCD from Quarks to Hadrons

Abstract

Lattice Gauge Theory enables an ab initio study of the low-energy properties of Quantum Chromodynamics, the theory of the strong interaction. I begin these lectures by presenting the lattice formulation of QCD, and then outline the benchmark calculation of lattice QCD, the light-hadron spectrum. I then proceed to explore the predictive power of lattice QCD, in particular as it pertains to hadronic physics. I will discuss the spectrum of glueballs, exotics and excited states, before investigating the study of form factors and structure functions. I will conclude by showing how lattice QCD can be used to study multi-hadron systems, and in particular provide insight into the nucleon-nucleon interaction.