We carry out the Hamiltonian analysis of non-Abelian gauge theories in
(2 + 1) dimensions in a gauge-invariant matrix parametrization of the
fields. A detailed discussion of regularization issues and the constr
uction of the renormalized Laplace operator on the configuration space
, which is proportional to the kinetic energy, are given. The origin o
f the mass gap is analyzed and the lowest eigenstates of the kinetic e
nergy are explicitly obtained; these have zero charge and exhibit a ma
ss gap. The nature of the corrections due to the potential energy, the
possibility of an improved perturbation theory and a Schrodinger-like
equation for the states are also discussed. (C) 1998 Published by Els
evier Science B.V.