⁶Li in optical ring lattices

Optical ring lattices provide a convenient setting for studying, i.e., many-body correlations and emergent topological phenomena in low-entropy, low-temperature Fermi ensembles. Due in part to technical challenges involved in creating and maintaining stable optical ring lattices, there has been no detailed experimental study of the behavior of fermions in periodic lattice geometries. We report on progress toward loading and trapping ⁶Li atoms in optical ring lattices of ≤ 100 sites. By preparing low-entropy quantum states within the lattice, along with the ability to tune interactions with ⁶Li's broad Feshbach resonance, we hope to observe a fermionic metal-to-Mott insulating transition in a strictly periodic geometry. We will also have the ability to investigate more exotic lattice structures, potential arenas for realizing several paradigmatic topological lattice models, such as the Su-Schrieffer-Heeger model.