Local density approximation for confined bosons in an optical lattice

We investigate local and global properties of the one-dimensional Bose-Hubbard model with an external confining potential, describing an atomic condensate in an optical lattice. Using quantum Monte Carlo techniques we demonstrate that a local-density approximation, which relates the unconfined and the confined model, yields quantitatively correct results in most of the interesting parameter range. We also examine claims of universal behavior in the confined system, and demonstrate the origin of a previously calculated fine structure in the experimentally accessible momentum distribution.