def _evaluate(self,R,z,phi=0.,t=0.):
        """
        NAME:
           _evaluate
        PURPOSE:
           evaluate the potential at R,z
        INPUT:
           R - Galactocentric cylindrical radius
           z - vertical height
           phi - azimuth
           t - time
        OUTPUT:
           Phi(R,z)
        HISTORY:
           2010-07-09 - Started - Bovy (NYU)
        """
        r= numpy.sqrt(R**2.+z**2.)
        return -numpy.log(1.+r/self.a)/r
NAME:
           _evaluate
        PURPOSE:
           evaluate the potential at R,z
        INPUT:
           R - Galactocentric cylindrical radius
           z - vertical height
           phi - azimuth
           t - time
        OUTPUT:
           Phi(R,z)
        HISTORY:
           2010-07-09 - Started - Bovy (NYU)