Z(2)-Regge versus standard Regge calculus in two dimensions - art. no. 124018.

We consider two versions of quantum Regge calculus: the standard Regge calc ulus where the quadratic link lengths of the simplicial manifold vary conti nuously and the Z(2) Regge model where they are restricted to two possible values. The goal is to determine whether the computationally more easily ac cessible Z(2) model still retains the universal characteristics of standard Regge theory in two dimensions. In order to compare observables such as th e average curvature or Liouville field susceptibility, we use in both model s the same functional integration measure, which is chosen to render the Z( 2) Regge model particularly simple. Expectation values are computed numeric ally and agree qualitatively for positive bare couplings. The phase transit ion within the Z(2) Regge model is analyzed by mean-field theory. [S0556-28 21(99)02212-2].