Optical lattice with heterogeneous atomic density

TL;DR

This paper explores the theoretical possibility of creating heterogeneous states in optical lattices, where atomic densities spontaneously separate into regions with different densities, under specific interaction and filling conditions.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of spontaneous mesoscopic separation in optical lattices due to repulsive inter-site interactions at low filling factors.

Findings

Heterogeneous states can form in optical lattices with repulsive inter-site interactions.

Such states are possible when the filling factor is less than one-half.

The study provides a theoretical basis for phase separation in optical lattice systems.

Abstract

The possibility is considered for the formation in optical lattices of a heterogeneous state characterized by a spontaneous mesoscopic separation of the system into the spatial regions with different atomic densities. It is shown that such states can arise, if there are repulsive interactions between atoms in different lattice sites and the filling factor is less than one-half.