On quantum phase transitions in tilted 2D lattices

Abstract

We discuss the quantum phase transition from the Mott-insulator state to the density-wave state for cold Bose atoms in a 2D square lattice as the lattice is adiabatically tilted along one of its primary axes. It is shown that a small misalignment of the tilt drastically changes the result of the adiabatic passage and, instead of the density-wave state, one obtains a disordered state. Intrinsic relation of the problem to Bloch oscillations of hard-core bosons in a 2D lattice is illuminated.