Thermodynamics of [Formula Presented] gauge theory on anisotropic lattices

Abstract

Finite temperature SU(3) gauge theory is studied on anisotropic lattices using the standard plaquette gauge action. The equation of state is calculated on (Formula presented) (Formula presented) and (Formula presented) lattices with the anisotropy (Formula presented) where (Formula presented) and (Formula presented) are the spatial and temporal lattice spacings. Unlike the case of the isotropic lattice on which (Formula presented) data deviate significantly from the leading scaling behavior, the pressure and energy density on an anisotropic lattice are found to satisfy well the leading (Formula presented) scaling from our coarsest lattice (Formula presented) With three data points at (Formula presented) 5 and 6, we perform a well controlled continuum extrapolation of the equation of state. Our results in the continuum limit agree with a previous result from isotropic lattices using the same action, but have smaller and more reliable errors. © 2001 The American Physical Society.