Thermodynamics ofSU(3)gauge theory on anisotropic lattices

Finite temperature SU(3) gauge theory is studied on anisotropic latticesusing the standard plaquette gauge action. The equation of state is calculatedon $16^{3} \times 8$, $20^{3} \times 10$ and $24^{3} \times 12$ lattices withthe anisotropy $\xi \equiv a_s / a_t = 2$, where $a_s$ and $a_t$ are thespatial and temporal lattice spacings. Unlike the case of the isotropic latticeon which $N_t=4$ data deviate significantly from the leading scaling behavior,the pressure and energy density on an anisotropic lattice are found to satisfywell the leading $1/N_t^2$ scaling from our coarsest lattice, $N_t/\xi=4$. Withthree data points at $N_t/\xi=4$, 5 and 6, we perform a well controlledcontinuum extrapolation of the equation of state. Our results in the continuumlimit agree with a previous result from isotropic lattices using the sameaction, but have smaller and more reliable errors.Comment: RevTeX, 21 pages, 17 PS figures. A quantitative test about the benefit of anisotropic lattices added, minor errors corrected. Final version for PR