Applications of chiral perturbation theory to lattice QCD

TL;DR

This paper provides a pedagogical overview of how chiral perturbation theory is applied to lattice QCD, covering theoretical foundations, practical issues like scaling violations, and finite volume effects.

Contribution

It offers an accessible introduction to applying chiral perturbation theory in lattice QCD, including recent developments and specific techniques.

Findings

Inclusion of scaling violations in chiral perturbation theory

Analysis of finite volume effects in different regimes

Discussion of partial quenching and mixed actions

Abstract

These notes contain the written version of lectures given at the 2009 Les Houches Summer School "Modern perspectives in lattice QCD: Quantum field theory and high performance computing." The goal is to provide a pedagogical introduction to the subject, and not a comprehensive review. Topics covered include a general introduction, the inclusion of scaling violations in chiral perturbation theory, partial quenching and mixed actions, chiral perturbation theory with heavy kaons, and the effects of finite volume, both in the p- and epsilon-regimes.