Emergent nontrivial lattices for topological insulators

Abstract

Materials with non-trivial lattice geometries allow for the creation of exotic states of matter like topologically insulating states. Therefore searching for such materials is an important aspect of current research in solid-state physics. In the field of ultracold gases there are ongoing studies aiming to create non-trivial lattices using optical means. In this paper we study two species of fermions trapped in a square optical lattice and show how non-trivial lattices can emerge due to strong interaction between atoms. We theoretically investigate regimes of tunable parameters in which such self-assembly may take place and describe the necessary experimental conditions. Moreover we discuss the possibility of such emergent lattices hosting topologically insulating states.