Using a new quark-field construction algorithm and a large variational basis of operators, we extract a highly excited isovector meson spectrum on dynamical anisotropic lattices. We show how carefully constructed operators can be used to reliably identify the continuum spin of extracted states, overcoming the reduced cubic symmetry of the lattice. Using this method we extract, with confidence, excited states, states with exotic quantum numbers ($0^{+-}$, $1^{-+}$, and $2^{+-}$), and states of high spin, including, for the first time in lattice QCD, spin-four states.

• Received 13 October 2009

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.103.262001