Quantum phases of quadrupolar Fermi gases in coupled one-dimensional systems

Abstract

Following the recent proposal to create quadrupolar gases [S.G. Bhongale et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 110, 155301 (2013)], we investigate what quantum phases can be created in these systems in one dimension. We consider a geometry of two coupled one-dimensional systems, and derive the quantum phase diagram of ultra-cold fermionic atoms interacting via quadrupole-quadrupole interaction within a Tomonaga-Luttinger-liquid framework. We map out the phase diagram as a function of the distance between the two tubes and the angle between the direction of the tubes and the quadrupolar moments. The latter can be controlled by an external field. We show that there are two magic angles $\theta^{c}_{B,1}$ and $\theta^{c}_{B,2}$ between $0$ to $\pi/2$, where the intratube quadrupolar interactions vanish and change signs. Adopting a pseudo-spin language with regards to the two 1D systems, the system undergoes a spin-gap transition and displays a zig-zag density pattern, above $\theta^{c}_{B,2}$ and below $\theta^{c}_{B,1}$. Between the two magic angles, we show that polarized triplet superfluidity and a planar spin-density wave order compete with each other. The latter corresponds to a bond order solid in higher dimensions. We demonstrate that this order can be further stabilized by applying a commensurate periodic potential along the tubes.