The field configurations of a static adjoint source in SU(2) lattice gauge theory

We study the spatial distribution and orientation of the colour fields around a static adjoint source using lattice gauge theory simulations in the pure gauge approximation. This configuration is not of immediate application to experiment although from a theoretical viewpoint it is the 'hydrogen atom' of pure gauge QCD. We concentrate on the low-lying states of angular momentum J=1 which are in the T1+ and T1- representations of the cubic symmetry group. Sum rules relating integrals over the fields to the mass of the state are evaluated. The conclusion is that the colour fields are like those from a rough string rotating around the source. (orig.)