Quantum phases of ultracold bosonic atoms in a one-dimensional optical superlattice

Abstract

We analyze various quantum phases of ultracold bosonic atoms in a periodic one-dimensional optical superlattice. Our studies have been performed using the finite-size density-matrix renormalization group method in the framework of the Bose-Hubbard model. Calculations have been carried out for a wide range of densities and the energy shifts due to the superlattice potential. At commensurate fillings, we find the Mott insulator and the superfluid phases as well as Mott insulators induced by the superlattice. At a particular incommensurate density, the system is found to be in the superfluid phase coexisting with density oscillations for a certain range of parameters of the system.