Equilibrium and Dynamical Properties of the Boson Hubbard Model in One Dimension

We describe quantum monte carlo simulations of the static and dynamic properties of the one dimensional boson Hubbard model, emphasizing the extent to which an external confining potential modifies the behavior. While the superfluid-Mott insulator quantum phase transition no longer exists when the system is confined, Mott and superfluid regions persist locally in the system. We construct a ‘state diagram’ based on the local density and compressibility profiles. Solitons present in the dynamics of the unconfined system survive the addition of a trapping potential.