Quantum Monte Carlo simulations of confined bosonic atoms in optical lattices
- Theoretische Physik, ETH Zuerich, CH-8093 Zurich (Switzerland)
- Institut Non-Lineaire de Nice, Universite de Nice-Sophia Antipolis, Nice (France)
We study properties of ultracold bosonic atoms in one-, two-, and three-dimensional optical lattices by large scale quantum Monte Carlo simulations of the Bose-Hubbard model in parabolic confining potentials. Our results indicate that local properties of the atoms can be accessed by probing the system's response to local potential perturbations. Furthermore, we show how the formation of Mott insulating regions is reflected in the momentum distribution of the atoms, amenable to experimental detection. We disprove previous claims concerning the relevance of fine structure in the momentum distribution function. Furthermore, we discuss limitations of local density approximations for confined systems, and demonstrate the absence of quantum criticality due to the inhomogenous potential. Instead, we show that quantum critical behavior can be observed in flat confining potentials. Our results indicate that the experimental detection of the Mott transition in moderately sized optical lattices would be significantly eased in flat confinement potentials.
- OSTI ID:
- 20646263
- Journal Information:
- Physical Review. A, Vol. 70, Issue 5; Other Information: DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevA.70.053615; (c) 2004 The American Physical Society; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 1050-2947
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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