Spatial observation of Bose-Einstein condensation of Rb-87 in a confining potential

Bose-Einstein condensation of Rb-87 has been observed in a vapor cell time- averaged orbiting potential trap, and the trapped condensates have been stu died using in situ absorption and dark-ground imaging methods. Condensates of 3 x 10(4) atoms were observed after 26 s of evaporative cooling. The eva porative cooling sequence consisted of a combination of cooling with rampin g magnetic-field strengths and radio-frequency-induced cooling. The measure d sizes, numbers of atoms, and transition temperatures of the condensates a n consistent with theoretical predictions that include the effects of atomi c interactions. [S1050-2947(99)50502-7].