Uncertainty quantification in lattice QCD calculations for nuclear physics

Abstract

The numerical technique of lattice quantum chromodynamics (LQCD) holds the promise of connecting the nuclear forces, nuclei, the spectrum and structure of hadrons, and the properties of matter under extreme conditions with the underlying theory of the strong interactions, quantum chromodynamics. A distinguishing, and thus far unique, feature of this formulation is that all of the associated uncertainties, both statistical and systematic can, in principle, be systematically reduced to any desired precision with sufficient computational and human resources. We review the sources of uncertainty inherent in LQCD calculations for nuclear physics, and discuss how each is quantified in current efforts.