  In this work we investigate theoretical and computational aspects of novel
lattice fermion formulations for the simulation of lattice gauge theories. The
lattice approach to quantum gauge theories is an important tool for studying
quantum chromodynamics, where it is the only known framework for calculating
physical observables from first principles. In our investigations we focus on
staggered Wilson fermions and the related staggered domain wall and staggered
overlap formulations. Originally proposed by Adams, these new fermion
discretizations bear the potential to reduce the computational costs of
state-of-the-art Monte Carlo simulations. Staggered Wilson fermions combine
aspects of both staggered and Wilson fermions while having a reduced number of
fermion doublers compared to usual staggered fermions. Moreover, they can be
used as a kernel operator for the domain wall fermion construction with
potentially significantly improved chiral properties and for the overlap
operator with its exact chiral symmetry. This allows the implementation of
chirality on the lattice in a controlled manner at potentially significantly
reduced costs. The practical potential and limitations of these new lattice
fermions are also critically discussed.
