Path-integral derivation of the heat kernel on SU(N) space

Abstract

We express the heat kernel as a lattice path integral and obtain multiple classical solutions from the field equations. We take the continuum limit by first expanding the lattice path integral about the classical solutions, and then performing a mass renormalization. We then exactly evaluate the heat kernel using algebraic properties of the structure constants, and prove the exactness of the semiclassical approximation. © 1985 The American Physical Society.