Stochastic models for lattice gauge theories

Stochastic equations are derived which describe the (Euclidean) time evolution of lattice field configurations, with and without fermions, on a three-dimensional space lattice. It is indicated how the drifts and transition functions may be obtained as asymptotic solutions of a differential equation or from a ground state ansatz. For non-Abelian gauge fields (without fermions) a ground state is constructed which is an exact eigenstate of a Hamiltonian with the same (naive) continuum limit as the Kogut-Susskind Hamiltonian. It is described how Euclidean correlations (like the Wilson loop) are obtained from the stochastic equations and how mass gaps may be obtained from the technique of exit times.