A Bayesian approach to chiral extrapolations

Abstract

The determination of low-energy constants from data is an important component of most effective field theory programs, including that of chiral perturbation theory. We propose a novel method based on Bayesian probability theory which allows us to address several shortcomings of the standard approach to parameter extraction. Using a toy-model we argue that the Bayesian approach is ideally suited for the application in effective field theories. We also discuss the application to lattice QCD data.

Comments: 7 pages, 1 figure, talk given at 6th International Workshop on Chiral Dynamics, Bern, Switzerland, July 6-10, 2009