Quantum Monte Carlo Calculations for a large number of bosons in a harmonic trap

Werner Krauth

Published 1996-12-19Version 1

In this paper, I present a precise Quantum Monte Carlo calculation at finite temperature for a very large number (many thousands) of bosons in a harmonic trap, which may be anisotropic. The calculation applies directly to the recent experiments of Bose-Einstein condensation of atomic vapors in magnetic traps. I show that the critical temperature of the system decreases with the interaction. I also present profiles for the overall density and the one of condensed particles, and obtain excellent agreement with solutions of the Gross-Pitaevskii equation.