Topology of lattice gauge fields

Non-Abelian gauge fields on a four-dimensional hypercubic lattice with small action density[Tr[1-U(p)] < 0.03 for SU(2) gauge fields] are shown to carry an integer topological charge Q, which is invariant under continuous deformations of the field. A concrete expression for Q is given and it is verified that Q reduces to the familiar Chern number in the classical continuum limit. (orig.)