Noncompact, gauge-invariant simulations of U(1), SU(2), and SU(3)

We have applied a new noncompact, gauge-invariant, Monte Carlo method to simulate the U(1), SU(2), and SU(3) gauge theories on 8(4) and 12(4) lattices. For U(1) the Creutz ratios of the Wilson loops agree with the exact results for beta greater than or equal to 0.5 after a renormalization of the charge. The SU(2) and SU(3) Creutz ratios robustly display quark confinement at beta = 0.5 and beta = 2, respectively. At much weaker coupling, the SU(2) and SU(3) Creutz ratios agree with perturbation theory after a renormalization of the coupling constant. For SU(3) without quarks, our lattice QCD parameter is Lambda(L) = 130 +/- 18 MeV.