Transition from a two-dimensional superfluid to a one-dimensional Mott insulator

TL;DR

This paper theoretically investigates a transition in a 2D atomic system from a superfluid to a 1D Mott insulator, highlighting phase transition characteristics and experimental implications.

Contribution

It introduces a theoretical model of the transition in anisotropic optical lattices and confirms the Kosterlitz-Thouless nature via Monte Carlo simulations.

Findings

Transition occurs between 2D superfluid and 1D Mott insulator

Monte Carlo simulations support Kosterlitz-Thouless transition

Transition affects experimental time-of-flight images

Abstract

A two-dimensional system of atoms in an anisotropic optical lattice is studied theoretically. If the system is finite in one direction, it is shown to exhibit a transition between a two-dimensional superfluid and a one-dimensional Mott insulating chain of superfluid tubes. Monte Carlo simulations are consistent with the expectation that the phase transition is of Kosterlitz-Thouless type. The effect of the transition on experimental time-of-flight images is discussed.