Destiny of optical lattices with strong intersite interactions

TL;DR

This paper explores how strong intersite interactions in optical lattices lead to diverse phases, including conducting, insulating, and quantum crystal states, with potential for various dimensional configurations.

Contribution

It introduces the concept of strong intersite interactions causing collective excitations and multiple equilibrium phases in optical lattices, expanding understanding of their complex behavior.

Findings

Strong intersite interactions induce collective phonon excitations.

Multiple equilibrium phases can be realized by varying interaction strength.

Different dimensional lattice configurations are possible.

Abstract

Optical lattices are considered loaded by atoms or molecules that can exhibit strong interactions between different lattice sites. The strength of these interactions can be sufficient for generating collective phonon excitations above the ground-state energy level. Varying the interaction strength makes it possible to create several equilibrium three-dimensional phases, including conducting optical lattices, insulating optical lattices, delocalized quantum crystals, and localized quantum crystals. Also, there can exist finite one- and two-dimensional lattices of chains and planes.