Lattice gauge theory without link variables
  We obtain a sequence of alternative representations for the partition function of pure SU(N) or U(N) lattice gauge theory with the Wilson plaquette action, using the method of Hubbard-Stratonovich transformations. In particular, we are able to integrate out all the link variables exactly, and recast the partition function of lattice gauge theory as a Gaussian integral over auxiliary fields. 
Helvio Vairinhos, Philippe de Forcrand
hep-lat hep-th