B and D Mesons in Lattice QCD

Computational and theoretical developments in lattice QCD calculations of B and D mesons are surveyed. Several topical examples are given: new ideas for calculating the HQET parameters \bar{\Lambda} and \lambda_1; form factors needed to determine |V_{cb}| and |V_{ub}|; bag parameters for the mass differences of the B mesons; and decay constants. Prospects for removing the quenched approximation are discussed.Comment: Mini-review from the XXXth International Conference on High Energy Physics, Osaka, Japa

Improved Currents for Heavy Quarks

We discuss lattice artifacts for matrix elements of hadrons containing one or more heavy quark. In particular, we analyze interrelations between lattice artifacts and the $1/m_Q$ expansion. The implications for calculations of heavy-light decay constants and of semi-leptonic form factors are discussed.Comment: 3 pages, no figures, uuencoded PostScript, proceedings of Lattice '94. LaTeX at ftp://fnth06.fnal.gov/pub/Fermilab-Pub/95.00

Lattice QCD and the Unitarity Triangle

Theoretical and computational advances in lattice calculations are reviewed, with focus on examples relevant to the unitarity triangle of the CKM matrix. Recent progress in semi-leptonic form factors for B -> pi l nu and B -> D* l nu, as well as the parameter \xi in B-Bbar mixing, are highlighted.Comment: Invited talk at the 9th International Symposium on Heavy Flavor Physics, September 10-13, 2001, Caltech, Pasadena. 11 pages, 5 figure

Lattice QCD Calculations of Leptonic and Semileptonic Decays

In lattice QCD, obtaining properties of heavy-light mesons has been easier said than done. Focusing on the $B$ meson's decay constant, it is argued that towards the end of 1997 the last obstacles were removed, at least in the quenched approximation. These developments, which resulted from a fuller understanding and implementation of ideas in effective field theory, bode well for current studies of neutral meson mixing and of semileptonic decays.Comment: Invited talk at the Workshop on Heavy Quarks at Fixed Target, October 10-12, 1998, Fermi National Accelerator Laborator

Lattice Gauge Theory and the Origin of Mass

Most of the mass of everyday objects resides in atomic nuclei; the total of the electrons' mass adds up to less than one part in a thousand. The nuclei are composed of nucleons---protons and neutrons---whose nuclear binding energy, though tremendous on a human scale, is small compared to their rest energy. The nucleons are, in turn, composites of massless gluons and nearly massless quarks. It is the energy of these confined objects, via $M=E/c^2$, that is responsible for everyday mass. This article discusses the physics of this mechanism and the role of lattice gauge theory in establishing its connection to quantum chromodynamics.Comment: prepared for "100 Years of Subatomic Physics," edited by Ernest Henley and Stephen Ellis. Submitted version with typos corrected and refs added. 26 pp., 6 figure

Progress in Lattice QCD

After reviewing some of the mathematical foundations and numerical difficulties facing lattice QCD, I review the status of several calculations relevant to experimental high-energy physics. The topics considered are moments of structure functions, which may prove relevant to search for new phenomena at the LHC, and several aspects of flavor physics, which are relevant to understanding CP and flavor violation.Comment: Invited talk at the XXII Physics in Collisions Conference (PIC02), Stanford, Ca, USA, June 2002, 15+1 pp. PSN FRBT0