Fluctuating conductivity above the charge density wave transition in K$_{0.3}$MoO$_3$

We have measured the optical conductivity of K$_{0.3}$MoO$_3$ both above and below the charge density wave transition. We find clear evidence for a collective mode contribution to the optical conductivity $\sigma(\omega)$ and for a gradual opening of a pseudogap at temperatures above the charge density wave transition, but below the mean field transition temperature. We also discuss the parameters which characterize the electrodynamic response in the fluctuation regime