Loss-induced phase separation and pairing for 3-species atomic lattice fermions

TL;DR

This paper investigates a three-component Fermi gas in an optical lattice with a three-body loss constraint, revealing a phase-separated atomic color superfluid that persists above the critical temperature, offering experimental insights.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of loss-induced phase separation and pairing in a three-species fermionic system, combining analytical and numerical methods.

Findings

Formation of atomic color superfluid phase

Phase separation between unpaired fermions and pairs

Persistence of phase separation above critical temperature

Abstract

We study the physics of a three-component Fermi gas in an optical lattice, in the presence of a strong three-body constraint arising due to three-body loss. Using analytical and numerical techniques, we show that an atomic color superfluid phase is formed in this system and undergoes phase separation between unpaired fermions and superfluid pairs. This phase separation survives well above the critical temperature, giving a clear experimental signature of the three-body constraint.