Lattice Calculations of Decay Constants

Abstract

Lattice attempts to compute the leptonic decay constants of heavy-light pseudoscalar mesons are described. I give a short historical overview of such attempts and then discuss some current calculations. I focus on three of the most important sources of systematic error: the extrapolation to the continuum, the chiral extrapolation in light quark mass, and the effects of quenching. I briefly discuss the ``bag parameters'' $B_B$ and $B_{B_s}$, and then conclude with my expectations of the precision in decay constants and bag parameters that will be possible in the next few years.

12 pages, 3 included postscript figures, uses sprocl.sty and epsfig. Review talk presented at the "Seventh International Symposium on Heavy Flavor Physics," Santa Barbara, July 7-11, 1997