Geometric regularization of gauge theories

A new regularization of gauge theories is introduced in a continuum space-time. The regularization is based on a geometric interpretation of the Yang-Mills functional integral in the covariant formalism. Besides a regularization of the classical action by higher covariant derivatives we introduce a regularization of the functional volume element by means of a strong riemannian metric in the space of gauge orbits M and two families of trace class operators defined in the tangent spaces of M . The conditions for the cancellation of ultraviolet divergences are shown to be independent of the gauge condition. This method opens the possibility of a non-perturbative covariant approach to gauge theories in a continuum space-time.