Multigrid methods for propagators in lattice gauge theories

Multigrid methods were invented for the solution of discretized partial differential equations in ordered systems. The slowness of traditional algorithms is overcome by updates on various length scales. In this overview article we discuss generalizations of multigrid methods for disordered systems, in particular for propagators in lattice gauge theories. A discretized nonabelian gauge theory can be formulated as a system of statistical mechanics where the gauge field degrees of freedom are SU(N) matrices on the links of the lattice. These SU(N) matrices appear as random coefficients in Dirac equations. We aim at finding an efficient method by which one can solve Dirac equations without critical slowing down. If this could be achieved, Monte Carlo simulations of Quantum Chromodynamics (the theory of the strong interaction) would be accelerated considerably. In principle, however, the methods discussed can be used in arbitrary space-time dimension and for arbitrary gauge group. Moreover, there are applications in multigrid Monte Carlo simulations, and for the definition of block spins and blocked gauge fields in Monte Carlo renormalization group studies. As a central result it was found that the geometric multigrid method works in principle in arbitrarily disordered gauge fields. Finally, an overview is given of other approaches to the propagator problem in lattice gauge theories.