The three-loop beta-function of SU(N) lattice gauge theories with Wilson fermions

We calculate the third coefficient of the lattice beta-function associated with the Wilson formulation for both gauge fields and fermions, This allows us to evaluate the three-loop correction (linear in g(0)(2)) to the relation between the lattice Lambda parameter and the bare coupling g(0), which is important in order to verify asymptotic scaling predictions. Our calculation also leads to the two-loop relation between the coupling renormalized in the MS scheme and g(0). (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V