Visualization of Dimensional Effects in Collective Excitations of Optically Trapped Quasi-Two-Dimensional Bose Gases

We analyze the macroscopic dynamics of a Bose gas axially confined in an optical lattice with a superimposed harmonic trap, taking into account weak tunneling effect. Our results show that upon transition to the quasi-two-dimensional (2D) regime of the trapped gas, the 3D equation of state and equilibrium density profile acquire corrections from 2D many-body effects. The corresponding frequency shift in the transverse breathing mode is accessible within current facilities, suggesting a direct observation of dimensional effects. Comparisons with other relevant effects are also presented.