Observations on discretization errors in twisted-mass lattice QCD

TL;DR

This paper analyzes discretization errors in twisted-mass lattice QCD using chiral perturbation theory, revealing large O(a) effects, phase transition behaviors, and clarifying misconceptions about infrared singularities at maximal twist.

Contribution

It extends the understanding of discretization errors and phase structure in twisted-mass lattice QCD by applying chiral perturbation theory to next-to-leading order and correcting misconceptions about lattice artifacts.

Findings

The PCAC quark mass line angle measures O(a) effects and is numerically large.

Pionic quantities show asymmetry consistent with chiral perturbation theory predictions.

No fundamental barrier exists to simulating at maximal twist in the Aoki regime.

Abstract

I make a number of observations concerning discretization errors in twisted-mass lattice QCD that can be deduced by applying chiral perturbation theory including lattice artifacts. (1) The line along which the PCAC quark mass vanishes in the twisted mass-twisted mass plane makes an angle to the untwisted mass axis which is a direct measure of O(a) terms in the chiral Lagrangian, and is found numerically to be large; (2) Numerical results for pionic quantities in the mass plane show the qualitative properties predicted by chiral perturbation theory, in particular an asymmetry in slopes between positive and negative untwisted quark masses; (3) By extending the description of the ``Aoki regime'' (where m_q is of size a^2 Lambda_QCD^3) to next-to-leading order in chiral perturbation theory I show how the phase transition lines and lines of maximal twist (using different definitions) extend into this region, and give predictions for the functional form of pionic quantities; (4) I argue that the recent claim that lattice artifacts at maximal twist have apparent infrared singularities in the chiral limit results from expanding about the incorrect vacuum state. Shifting to the correct vacuum (as can be done using chiral perturbation theory) the apparent singularities are summed into non-singular, and furthermore predicted, forms. I further argue that there is no breakdown in the Symanzik expansion in powers of lattice spacing, and no barrier to simulating at maximal twist in the Aoki regime.