Lattice simulations for the running coupling constant of QCD

Abstract

The strong coupling constant alpha_s(mu_0), taken at a fixed reference scale mu_0, is the single free parameter of QCD and should be known to the highest available precision. The value of alpha_s should also be determined with good accuracy over as large a range of scales as possible, in order to reveal potential anomalous running in the strength of the strong interaction. Lattice QCD is now able to calculate alpha_s with accuracy comparable to or better than experiment. We review the status of such lattice calculations in quenched and full QCD.

Comments: 10 pages; invited seminar presented at the VIII International Workshop on Hadron Physics 2002, Bento Goncalves RS, Brazil, April 14-19, 2002