Finite-curvature scaling in optical lattice systems

We address the problem posed by the inhomogeneous trapping fields when using ultracold fermions to simulate strongly correlated electrons. As a starting point, we calculate the density of states for a single atom. Using semiclassical arguments, we show that this can be made to evolve smoothly towards the desired limit by varying the curvature of the field profile. Implications for mutually interacting atoms in such potentials are briefly discussed.