Vortex configurations of bosons in an optical lattice

The single vortex problem in a strongly correlated bosonic system is investigated self-consistently within the mean-field theory of the Bose-Hubbard model. Near the superfluid-Mott transition, the vortex core has a tendency toward the Mott-insulating phase, with the core particle density approaching the nearest commensurate value. If the nearest neighbor repulsion exists, the charge density wave order may develop locally in the core. The evolution of the vortex configuration from the strong to weak coupling regions is studied. This phenomenon can be observed in systems of rotating ultra-cold atoms in optical lattices and Josephson junction arrays