Rotation of atoms in a two dimensional lattice with a harmonic trap

Abstract

Rotation of atoms in a lattice is studied using a Hubbard model. It is found that the atoms are still contained in the trap even when the rotation frequency is larger than the trapping frequency. This is very different from the behavior in continuum. Bragg scattering and coupling between angular and radial motion are believed to make this stability possible. In this regime, density depletion at the center of the trap can be developed for spin polarized fermions.