Quantum phase transition in a multicomponent Bose-Einstein condensate in optical lattices

We present a general lattice model for a multicomponent atomic Bose-Einstein system in an optical lattice. Using the model, we analytically study the quantum phase transition between the Mott insulator and a superfluid. A mean-field theory is developed from the Mott-insulator ground state. When the interspecies interactions are strong enough, the Mott insulator demonstrates the phase separation behavior. For weak interspecies interactions, the multispecies system is miscible. Finally, the phase diagram is discussed with emphasis on the role of interspecies interactions. The tip and the shape of the Mott insulator lobes do not depend on the interspecies interactions, but the latter indeed modify the position of the phase boundaries.