Hybrid stochastic simulations of SU(2) gauge theory with dynamical fermions

The hybrid stochastic algorithm of Duane is applied to SU(2) lattice gauge theory with staggered fermions. After optimizing the algorithm and measuring its systematic errors, the method is used to calculate the theory's chiral condensate. Good evidence is found for asymptotic freedom. The renormalization group invariant condensate R is extracted from simulations on a 104 lattice. The critical temperature Tc for chiral symmetry restoration is extracted from simulations on 6 . 123 lattices. The data suggests that the ratio Tc/R is independent (within simulation errors) of the number of dynamical fermions. These results are contrasted to their SU(3) counterparts. (orig.)