Quantum Chromodynamics on the Lattice

Quantum chromodynamics (QCD) is the fundamental quantum ?eld theory of quarks and gluons. In order to discuss it in a mathematically well-de?ned way, the theory has to be regularized. Replacing space-time by a Euclidean lattice has proven to be an e?cient approach which allows for both theor- ical understanding and computational analysis. Lattice QCD has become a standard tool in elementary particle physics. Asthetitlealreadysays:thisbookisintroductory!Thetextisintendedfor newcomerstothe?eld,servingasastartingpoint.Wesimplywantedtohavea bookwhichwecanputintothehandsofanadvancedstudentfora?rstreading on lattice QCD. This imaginary student brings as a prerequisite knowledge of higher quantum mechanics, some continuum quantum ?eld theory, and basic facts of elementary particle physics phenomenology. In view of the wealth of applications in current research the topics p- sented here are limited and we had to make some painful choices. We discuss QCD but omit most other lattice ?eld theory