Convergence of theU(1)4 lattice gauge theory to its continuum limit

It is shown that in four space-time dimensions the compactU(1) lattice gauge theory with general energy function converges to a renormalized free electromagnetic field on the current sector as the lattice spacing approaches zero, provided the coupling constant is sufficiently large. For the Wilson energy function, it is possible, by judicious choice of the Gibbs state, to get convergence for arbitrary coupling strengths. Furthermore, for all but a countable number of values of the coupling constant, the limit exists and is independent of the particular state chosen to define the lattice model.This research was supported in part by an Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Doctoral Dissertation Fellowship and in part by N.S.F. Grant Nos. DMS 84-01997 and DMS-8610730(1)