Universal few-body physics in a harmonic trap

TL;DR

This paper develops an effective theory to analyze how universal few-body properties, like Efimov states, are affected by harmonic trapping in 3- and 4-particle systems, revealing modifications in their spectra.

Contribution

It introduces a theoretical framework for understanding universal few-body physics in harmonic traps, extending Efimov physics to confined systems.

Findings

Modified 3- and 4-body spectra in harmonic traps

Dependence of 4-body spectrum on tuning parameters

Insights into universal properties under confinement

Abstract

Few-body systems with resonant short-range interactions display universal properties that do not depend on the details of their structure or their interactions at short distances. In the three-body system, these properties include the existence of a geometric spectrum of three-body Efimov states and a discrete scaling symmetry. Similar universal properties appear in 4-body and possibly higher-body systems as well. We set up an effective theory for few-body systems in a harmonic trap and study the modification of universal physics for 3- and 4-particle systems in external confinement. In particular, we focus on systems where the Efimov effect can occur and investigate the dependence of the 4-body spectrum on the experimental tuning parameters.