Crystallization of trions in SU(3) cold-atom gases trapped in optical lattices

Abstract

Cold Fermionic atoms with three different hyperfine states confined in optical lattices show pronounced Atomic Density Waves (ADWs). These ADWs are pinned due to the confining potential that traps the atoms in the optical lattice and can be considered a crystal of strongly bound trions. We show that the crystalline phase is incompressible and robust against SU(3) symmetry breaking interaction. We also show that it is generic in the presence of the trap due to its incompressible characteristics. A simulation of the time evolution of the fermionic gas after the trapping potential is switch off shows that the formation of the trionic crystal is marked by a freezing of the dynamics in the lattice.