Light vector meson decay constants and the renormalization factor from a tadpole-improved action

The {rho}, K{sup {asterisk}}, and {phi} decay constants and the vector current renormalization factor are studied by using an O(a{sup 2}) classically improved, tadpole-improved action. Tree-level calculations are used to show how the classical improvement of the action, involving next-nearest-neighbor time steps, is transferred to the matrix elements. Simulations are performed on coarse lattices and compared to Wilson results from both coarse and fine lattices. The improved action data are found to resemble Wilson data obtained at 1/3 of the lattice spacing, which is the same degree of improvement that is seen by comparing the mass spectra. {copyright} {ital 1997} {ital The American Physical Society}