Thermodynamics of quantum degenerate gases in optical lattices

The entropy-temperature curves are calculated for noninteracting Bose and Fermi gases in a 3D optical lattice. These curves facilitate understanding of how adiabatic changes in the lattice depth affect the temperature, and we demonstrate regimes where the atomic sample can be significantly heated or cooled by the loading process. We assess the effects of interactions on a Bose gas in a deep optical lattice and show that interactions ultimately limit the extent of cooling that can occur during lattic loading.