q-Gaussian trial function in high density Bose-Einstein condensates

We study the ground-state static properties of Bose-Einstein condensates in the high density regime using a trial wave function of the form of a q-Gaussian. The flexibility afforded by a q-Gaussian trial function yields very accurate ground-state energies for large number of particles. The resulting condensate wave function profiles are also in good agreement in the high density regime. Comparing our results with those of numerical calculations we provide information on the possible limitations of the q-Gaussian trial functions. © 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved