The Casimir effect for photons and Dirac fermion fields, and its generalization to $(D+1)$-dimensional spacetime in the continuum, is studied. We implement MIT bag boundary conditions on the lattice by treating the system as a confined fermionic slab with perfectly conducting parallel plates. Using the formalism developed for lattice fermions, we compute the Casimir energy for free naive and Wilson fermions analytically in $(1+1)$ dimensions using the Abel-Plana formula, and numerically in higher dimensions. The Casimir energy for overlap fermions with a Möbius domain wall kernel is also evaluated numerically. For MIT bag boundary conditions, the lattice results agree with the continuum expressions in the limit of vanishing lattice spacing for all fermion formulations. Fermion doubling effects are observed for naive fermions. No oscillatory behavior of the Casimir energy is observed in this case for either massive or massless fermions. We also study periodic and antiperiodic boundary conditions. In these cases, Wilson and overlap fermions reproduce the expected continuum behavior, while naive fermions exhibit oscillations with even and odd lattice sizes and approach different limits. Contrary to earlier claims, our numerical results indicate that naive fermions can reproduce the Casimir effect for Dirac fermions in the appropriate continuum limit, consistent with universality. Finally, we comment on extensions to negative-mass Wilson and overlap fermions and their connection to bulk and surface states in topological insulators.

We present lattice QCD calculations of the masses of the deuteron, dineutron, Helium-3 and Helium-4 with physical sea quarks and valence quark masses corresponding to pion masses between 140 and 700 MeV. At the physical point, the lowest finite-volume two-nucleon energy levels exhibit the qualitative pattern of a bound deuteron and an unbound dineutron within uncertainties, while at heavier quark masses they indicate the presence of deeply bound states. Compared with expectations from low-energy effective field theories, the observed mass dependence of the binding energies provides first-principles constraints on the quark-mass dependence of two- and three-nucleon interactions. From the quark-mass variation of the nuclear energies, we determine nuclear sigma terms and quantify the response of light-nuclear masses to changes in the light-quark mass. Using the QCD trace anomaly relation, we decompose the nuclear binding energy into quark-mass and gluonic contributions around the deuteron mass scale of $\mu=2$ GeV. We find that the quark-mass contribution to the binding energy is small and approximately additive in nucleon number within current precision, whereas the gluonic component provides the dominant contribution and show milder increases with mass number.

Scattering processes featuring the strong interactions can be studied using lattice QCD by means of the Lüscher formalism. This approach relies on analyticity and unitarity of the $S$-matrix to relate infinite-volume scattering amplitudes to finite-volume energy levels. However, lattice QCD simulations employing rooted staggered fermions manifest unitarity violation as an $\mathcal{O}(a^2)$ lattice artifact. Moreover, the meson sector of this theory contains multiple non-mass-degenerate pions (due to the so-called taste splitting), which only reduce to the physical pion in the continuum limit. These features restrict the applicability of the Lüscher formalism to staggered lattice data at non-zero lattice spacing. Hence, in this work, we discuss two complementary approaches to deal with the challenges of extracting $\pi\pi$ scattering amplitudes from lattice QCD with staggered quarks: (1) using the corresponding effective theory, Rooted Staggered Chiral Perturbation Theory, to calculate one-loop amplitudes for the first time. These amplitudes can be used to explicitly check the validity of the quantization condition. And (2) generalizing the formalism to incorporate taste-splitting as well as fourth-rooting effects. We focus on the simpler case of $\pi\pi$ scattering in the isospin-2 channel, and discuss prospects for other channels.

We present a strategy to extend lattice calculations of inclusive hadronic $\tau$ decays from isosymmetric QCD to QCD+QED. The inclusive decay rate can be related to suitable Euclidean correlation functions, allowing for a first-principles evaluation of electromagnetic and isospin-breaking effects. Within the RM123 framework, radiative corrections are decomposed into leptonic, factorizable and non-factorizable contributions. We report preliminary results for the leptonic and factorizable terms in the electro-quenched approximation and discuss the remaining steps towards a complete calculation. This programme aims at a first-principles determination of inclusive $\tau$ decay rates with direct implications for the extraction of the CKM matrix element $|V_{us}|$.

Whose world is this? The orbifold lattice has been proposed as a bridge to practical quantum simulation of Yang--Mills theory, claiming exponential speedup over all known approaches. Through analytical derivations, Monte Carlo simulation, and explicit circuit construction, we identify compounding hidden costs entirely absent in Kogut--Susskind formulations: a mass-dependent Trotter overhead that scales as $m^4$, gauge-violating dynamics that grow as $m^2$ and worsen with penalty terms, and a mandatory mass extrapolation. Monte Carlo simulations of SU(3) establish a universal scaling: the continuum limit forces $m^2 \propto 1/a$, binding the Trotter step to the lattice spacing through a cost unique to orbifolds. For a fiducial $10^3$ calculation, the orbifold is $10^4$--$10^{10}$ times more expensive than every published alternative. The bridge is not built. The gap is the foundation.

Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) is the theory of the strong interactions within the Standard Model of particle physics, which explains more than 99% of the mass of the visible Universe. However, there is evidence that a substantial portion of our Universe is made up of particles beyond the Standard Model, i.e. dark matter. A popular dark matter candidate is the axion -- a hypothetical particle that also solves the so-called strong CP-problem, the unexpected symmetry of QCD under time reversal. The experimental detection of axions hinges on their conversion rate to photons, controlled by the axion-photon coupling. This coupling depends on the specific axion model, but also receives a sizable model-independent contribution from QCD. Here we present the first non-perturbative determination of the QCD contribution using continuum extrapolated lattice simulations. The calculation is based on determining the response of the QCD vacuum to time reversal-odd combinations of background electromagnetic fields. We develop two independent methods exploiting different features of this response and obtain $g_{A\gamma\gamma}^{\rm QCD} f_A/e^2=-0.0224(10)$ in units of the axion scale $f_A$ and the elementary charge $e$. Armed with this first-principles result, we present a novel update on how experimental observations can be used to constrain the landscape of axion models, useful for guiding contemporary and future observational strategies.

A recent Letter~\cite{Borsanyi:2025dyp} employs lattice QCD calculations of the equation of state, combined with entropy-density contour analysis, to place a lower bound of $\mu_B \gtrsim 450$~MeV on the location of the QCD critical endpoint (CEP). While the underlying lattice calculations represent an important advance in precision and systematic control, the method used to infer constraints on the CEP is not directly sensitive to critical behavior. In particular, the use of entropy contours does not directly probe the singular structure associated with the CEP, does not explicitly incorporate the relevant thermodynamic scaling fields, and relies on assumptions that are not strictly satisfied in finite systems. Consequently, the reported exclusion of a CEP below $\mu_B \approx 450$~MeV cannot be regarded as model-independent, as model-independent constraints require observables that are directly sensitive to the singular scaling behavior associated with critical phenomena.

Motivated by ongoing interest in the universal behaviour of the Hubbard model of spinning electrons on honeycomb and $\pi$-flux lattices at the semi-metal -- Mott insulator phase transition, we formulate the \threeD~chiral Heisenberg model, a theory of relativistic fermions in three spacetime dimensions, as a lattice field theory using domain wall fermions. The contact interaction term preserves an SU(2) global symmetry. We perform numerical simulations using the Rational Hybrid Monte Carlo algorithm on system sizes $L^3\times L_s$ with $L\in\{8,\ldots,24\}$ and domain wall separation $L_s\in\{8,16,24\}$. We locate the phase transition corresponding to spontaneous SU(2)$\to$U(1) breaking, yielding critical exponent estimates $\nu^{-1}=0.63(3)$, $\eta_\Phi=1.42(8)$. These values are considerably removed from estimates obtained from simulations performed in (2+1)D, ie. with the time and spatial directions treated differently, but align more closely with analytic estimates obtained using 3D covariant field theory. We also present first results for the fermion correlator, ultimately needed for the determination of the exponent $\eta_\Psi$, highlighting the need to rotate the fermion source to a common reference direction in isospace in order to obtain a signal.

We aim to clarify the experimentally observed near-degeneracy and decay patterns of the isospin, $I=1$, hidden-bottom tetraquarks $Z_b(10610)$ and $Z_b(10650)$ with quantum numbers $J^{P}=1^{+}$.We refer to them as $Z_b$ and $Z_b^{'}$, respectively. In particular, we find first evidence that the suppression of the decay of $Z_b^{'}$ to $B\bar{B^*}$ can be understood in the context of the Born-Oppenheimer Effective Field Theory (BOEFT). BOEFT enables writing both $Z_b$ and $Z_b^{'}$ as superpositions of $Z_1$ and $Z_2$ tetraquark configurations. This decomposition naturally relates the decay patterns of $Z_b$ and $Z_b^{'}$ to the degeneracy of the light degrees of freedom associated with $Z_1$ and $Z_2$ tetraquarks, {\it i.e.,} $1^{--}$and $0^{-+}$ adjoint mesons, respectively. By calculating the adjoint meson correlators within the framework of lattice QCD, we get good indications that these adjoint mesons are degenerate.

We study the thermal static potential for (2+1)-flavor QCD at nonzero density through a Taylor expansion around vanishing chemical potentials. From Taylor expanded Wilson line correlators, we extract the $\hat{\mu}^2$ coefficient of the real and imaginary part of the potential in light and strange flavor channels and in the baryon number and electric charge channels. We observe an enhancement of in-medium screening at intermediate and large separations. The effect is visible in both the real and imaginary parts to the extracted $\hat{\mu}^2$ contribution of the static potentials and provides a first step toward constraining in-medium heavy-quark interactions relevant for the Beam Energy Scan program at RHIC and future FAIR experiments.

We present an updated determination of the hadronic vacuum polarization contribution to the running of the electromagnetic coupling $\Delta\alpha_{\mathrm{had}}^{(5)}(-Q^2)$, and of the electroweak mixing angle in the space-like momentum range up to $12 \ \mathrm{GeV}^2$. Using $N_f=2+1$ CLS ensembles at five values of the lattice spacing and several pion masses, including the physical point, we achieve a significantly enhanced precision over our previous result. A refined analysis strategy based on telescopic series and a new family of kernel functions enables a clean separation of distinct Euclidean regions, disentangling strong cutoff effects at short distances from the pronounced chiral dependence at larger ones. Employing the Euclidean split technique, we convert our lattice results into an ab initio estimate of $\Delta\alpha_{\mathrm{had}}^{(5)}(M_Z^2)$. A comparison with results from other lattice calculations and phenomenology is performed. We also analyze improvement scenarios required to match the projected precision of future electroweak measurements at next-generation colliders.

The decoupling strategy allows one to obtain the value of the strong coupling in QCD from the running in pure gauge. Here we present our strategy to determine the running in the $SU(3)$ Yang-Mills theory. We use a finite-volume scheme with twisted boundary conditions and a step-scaling approach based on a gradient-flow coupling. We show preliminary results for the continuum extrapolation of the step-scaling function. Compared with other finite-volume approaches, we expect a reduced statistical error and absence of linear cutoff effects due to the translational invariance of the boundary conditions.

The $1+1$ dimensional $\mathbb Z_2$ gauge theory is the simplest model that allows for quantum simulation to probe the fundamental aspects of a gauge theory coupled with dynamical fermions. To reliably benchmark such a system, it is crucial to understand the non-unitary quantum dynamics arising from the underlying non-Hermitian evolution and to model the effects of quantum measurements. This work focuses on measuring physical observables for a $\mathbb Z_2$ gauge theory. Tensor network calculations are performed to probe the effect of measurement for larger lattice sizes (up to 256-site systems). Using Matrix Product State calculations, the dynamics of entanglement entropy are studied as a function of the measurement rate and the coupling constant. We find that, under both local and non-local measurements, the late-time saturation value of the bipartite entanglement entropy remains independent of system size, indicating the absence of a measurement-induced phase transition in the no-click limit.

We compute the entanglement entropy and the entanglement spectrum of the vacuum state in the massive Schwinger model at a finite $\theta$ angle. The $\theta$ term is implemented through a chirally rotated lattice Hamiltonian that preserves the periodicity in $\theta$ already at the operator level and maintains the correct massless limit without $\theta$-dependent lattice artifacts. We clarify the physical origin of entanglement entropy enhancement at $\theta=\pi$ by relating it to the competition between distinct electric-flux vacuum branches. We show that the peak near $\theta=\pi$ persists across the range of masses studied and corresponds to the point of maximal competition between distinct vacuum branches with opposite electric-field orientation, where quantum fluctuations due to fermion pair creation are maximized. While this entropy enhancement is generic, a pronounced narrowing of the entanglement gap occurs only near the critical mass ratio $m/g\simeq0.33$. Using the Bisognano--Wichmann (BW) theorem, we construct a lattice BW entanglement Hamiltonian and compare it with the exact modular Hamiltonian obtained from the reduced density matrix. We observe agreement between these Hamiltonians in the infrared sector, indicating that the entanglement Hamiltonian is well approximated by a spatially weighted microscopic Hamiltonian. These results establish entanglement observables as sensitive probes of the $\theta$-dependent vacuum structure and highlight the chirally rotated formulation as a natural framework for open boundary conditions. Additionally, we discuss possible applications to entanglement in topological insulators and quantum wires.

In this proceeding, we discuss the finite-size scaling analysis of the order parameter related to the chiral phase transition in QCD with two massless quarks. We use data obtained in lattice QCD calculations performed with highly improved staggered quarks (HISQ) for a range of light quark masses, $1/240 \leq m_\ell/m_s \leq 1/27$ for different spatial volumes ($N_\sigma$) on Euclidean lattices with temporal extent $N_\tau=8$, satisfying $3\,N_\tau \leq N_\sigma \leq 10\,N_\tau$. We observe that infinite volume extrapolated data for the order parameter agree reasonably well with the expected $O(2)$ scaling behavior even for physical ratios of the light-to-strange quark mass ratio. We quantify deviations from asymptotic scaling and perform a detailed analysis of the influence of finite-size effects in terms of temperature and quark masses at a fixed lattice cutoff. This is crucial for improving the reliability of the infinite-volume extrapolated estimate of the chiral order parameter and for a more precise determination of chiral phase transition temperature from direct Lattice QCD simulations.

We analyze the impact of the Medium Separation Scheme (MSS) on two-flavor color superconducting (2SC) dense quark matter under the influence of a constant external magnetic field. The effects of the proper treatment of the model divergences are examined through a comparison of different approaches, including the combined implementation of the Magnetic Field Independent Regularization (MFIR) and the MSS, as well as the standard use of smooth form factors. Our findings for the Nambu--Jona-Lasinio model emphasize the critical role of properly separating medium effects from vacuum contributions in the model. The combined MFIR-MSS scheme suppresses spurious unphysical oscillations, often misinterpreted in the literature as de Haas--van Alphen oscillations, and ensures the correct high-density behavior of the diquark condensate. Furthermore, within the MSS framework, the magnetization remains positive across the explored parameter space, in sharp contrast with the behavior obtained in the traditional approach.