We investigate the transition of a quasi-one-dimensional few-boson system from a weakly correlated to a fragmented and finally a fermionized ground state. Our numerically exact analysis, based on a multiconfigurational method, explores the interplay between different shapes of external and interparticle forces. Specifically, we demonstrate that the addition of a central barrier to an otherwise harmonic trap may support the system’s fragmentation, with a symmetry-induced distinction between even and odd atom numbers. Moreover, the impact of inhomogeneous interactions is studied, where the effective coupling strength is spatially modulated. It is laid out how the ground state can be displaced in a controlled way depending on the trap and the degree of modulation. We present the one- and two-body densities and, beyond that, highlight the role of correlations on the basis of the natural occupations.

• Received 25 May 2006

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.74.053612