PROPERTIES OF A BOSE-EINSTEIN CONDENSATE IN AN ANISOTROPIC HARMONIC POTENTIAL

We present results on the size, density, chemical potential, and lifet ime of a Bose-Einstein condensate as a function of the number of conde nsate atoms for parameters appropriate to the time-averaged orbiting p otential trap in which a Bose condensate of Rb-87 atoms was recently f ormed [M. H. Anderson et al., Science 269, 198 (1995)]. These results were obtained by solving the time-independent nonlinear Schrodinger eq uation with anisotropic harmonic trapping potential. We also find vort ex solutions for the trap and the critical rotation frequency required for their formation.