Two-dimensional polarized superfluids through the prism of the fermion sign problem

Understanding if attractive fermions in an unbalanced occupation of its flavors can give rise to a superfluid state in two dimensions (2D), realizing the Fulde-Ferrel-Larkin-Ovchinnikov (FFLO) state, presents a long-standing question. A limitation on its solution by numerics is posed by the sign problem, which constrains the applicability of quantum Monte Carlo techniques at sufficiently low temperatures and large lattice sizes, where a potential signature of polarized superfluidity would be unambiguous. By using a recently explored argument that the sign problem may be used instead to infer quantum critical behavior, we explore the regime where partial polarization occurs in the phase diagram, further showing that the average sign (S) of quantum Monte Carlo weights tracks the criticality between balanced (or fully polarized) and polarized phases. Using the attractive Hubbard model with an unbalanced population, our investigation expands the scope of problems in which (S) can be used for monitoring critical behavior, providing compelling albeit indirect evidence for the robustness of an FFLO phase in 2D.