The renormalization constants present in the lattice evaluation of the topological susceptibility can be nonperturbatively calculated by using the so-called heating method. We test this method for the O(3) nonlinear $\sigma$ model in two dimensions. We work in a regime where perturbative calculations are exact and useful to check the values obtained from the heating method. The result of the test is positive and it clarifies some features concerning the method. Our procedure also allows a rather accurate determination of the first perturbative coefficients.

• Received 6 December 1995

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.54.1044