We examine meson correlation functions over a large range of lattice spacing and quark mass in simulations with the standard staggered action. We find that the distribution of meson correlation functions is non-Gaussian, with long tails. We modify the statistical analysis to take care of the non-Gaussianity. Current day improvements in the statistical quality of data on hadron correlations further allow us to simplify certain aspects of the analysis of masses. We examine these changes through the analysis of pions and apply them to the vector meson. We also remark on the relation between the vector mass and flow scales.

• Received 27 June 2016

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.94.054506