Renormalization group flow of SU(3) lattice gauge theory.: Numerical studies in a two coupling space

We investigate the renormalization group (RG) flow of SU(3) lattice gauge theory in a two coupling space with couplings beta(11) and beta(12) corresponding to 1 x 1 and 1 x 2 loops, respectively. Extensive numerical calculations of the RG flow are made in the fourth quadrant of this coupling space, i.e., beta(11) > 0 and beta(12) < 0. Swendsen's factor two blocking and the Schwinger-Dyson method are used to find an effective action for the blocked gauge field. The resulting renormalization group flow runs quickly towards an attractive stream which has an approximate line shape. This is a numerical evidence of a renormalized trajectory which locates close to the two coupling space. A model flow equation which incorporates a marginal coupling (asymptotic scaling term), an irrelevant coupling and a non-perturbative attraction towards the strong coupling limit reproduces qualitatively the observed features. We further examine the scaling properties of an action which is closer to the attractive stream than the currently used improved actions. It is found that this action shows excellent restoration of rotational symmetry even for coarse lattices with a similar to 0.3 fm. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.