Lattice Quantum Chromodynamics

Lattice Quantum Chromodynamics (LQCD) is used as a numerical tool to calculate non-perturbative hadronic processes in particle and nuclear physics.  Our LQCD calculations utilize the large high-performance computing (HPC) resources within JSC/FZJ to compute beyond the standard model (BSM) processes and properties of exotic hadrons.

Schematic drawing of a BSM particle (in purple) scattering with quarks (red, blue, and green spheres) in a nucleon (orange shell). The quarks themselves interact with each other via gluon exchange denoted as dashed lines.

Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) is the theory that governs the behavior of quarks and gluons.  These fundamental particles behave in highly non-linear and strongly correlated ways at energies below 200 MeV, forming nucleons and the subsequent elements in our periodic table.  Because of non-linear behavior, theoretical calculations of QCD in this regime are essentially impossible.  Scientists therefore resort to lattice QCD (LQCD) to perform calculations in this regime.  Here space-time is discretized and calculations are performed stochastically.   Scientists in IAS-4 use LQCD to calculate various non-perturbative processes ranging from BSM interactions that induce nucleon EDMs to exotic mesonic systems.  To date LQCD provides the only known systematic and model free calculation of QCD in the low-energy regime.

Contact

Prof. Tom Luu

  • Institute for Advanced Simulation (IAS)
  • Theory of the Strong Interactions (IAS-4 / IKP-3)
Building 07.1 /
Room R 229
+49 2461/61-3092
E-Mail

Last Modified: 24.05.2022