Optically trapped quasi-two-dimensional Bose gases in a random environment: Quantum fluctuations and superfluid density

Abstract

We investigate a dilute Bose gas confined in a tight one-dimensional (1D) optical lattice plus a superimposed random potential at zero temperature. Accordingly, the ground state energy, quantum depletion and superfluid density are calculated. The presence of the lattice introduces a crossover to the quasi-2D regime, where we analyze asymptotically the 2D behavior of the system, particularly the effects of disorder. We thereby offer an analytical expression for the ground state energy of a purely 2D Bose gas in a random potential. The obtained disorder-induced normal fluid density $n_n$ and quantum depletion $n_d$ both exhibit a characteristic $1/\ln\left(1/n_{2D}a_{2D}^{2}\right)$ dependence. Their ratio $n_n/n_d$ increases to $2$ compared to the familiar $4/3$ in lattice-free 3D geometry, signifying a more pronounced contrast between superfluidity and Bose-Einstein condensation in low dimensions. Conditions for possible experimental realization of our scenario are also proposed.