arXiv:0811.4696 · Physical Review A
Hubbard-model calculations of phase separation in optical lattices
H. Heiselberg
Abstract
Antiferromagnetic, Mott-insulator, $d$-wave, and gossamer superfluid phases are calculated for two-dimensional (2D) square lattices from the extended Hubbard $(t\text{\ensuremath{-}}J\text{\ensuremath{-}}U)$ model using the Gutzwiller projection method and renormalized mean-field theory. The phase separation between antiferromagnetic and $d$-wave superfluid phases is found near half filling when the on-site repulsion exceeds $U\ensuremath{\gtrsim}7.3t$ and coincides with a first-order transition in the double occupancy. The phase separation is thus predicted for 2D optical lattices with ultracold Fermi atoms whereas it is inhibited in cuprates by Coulomb frustration which instead may lead to stripes. In a confined optical lattice the resulting density distribution is discontinuous and with extended Mott plateau which enhances the antiferromagnetic phase but suppresses the superfluid phase. Observation of Mott-insulator, antiferromagnetic, stripe, and superfluid phases in density and momentum distributions and correlations is discussed.