QCD at a finite density of static quarks

Recently, cluster methods have been used to solve a variety of sign problems including those that arise in the presence of fermions. In all cases an analytic partial re-summation over a class of configurations in the path integral was necessary. Here the new ideas are illustrated using the example of QCD at a finite density of static quarks. In this limit the sign problem simplifies since the fermionic part decouples. Furthermore, the problem can be solved completely when the gauge dynamics is replaced by a Potts model. On the other hand in QCD with light quarks the solution will require a partial re-summation over both fermionic and gauge degrees of freedom. The new approach points to unexplored directions in the search for a solution to this more challenging sign problem.