Observation of Backward Pulse Propagation Through a Medium with a Negative Group Velocity

2006/05/12 by George M. Gehring, Aaron Schweinsberg, Christopher Barsi +2 · 5 citations
Physics and Astronomy · #Quantum optics and atomic interactions #Atomic and Subatomic Physics Research #Advanced Fiber Laser Technologies

paper · doi:10.1126/science.1124524

openalex publication_date 2006/05/12 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/31

Abstract

The nature of pulse propagation through a material with a negative value of the group velocity has been mysterious, as simple models seem to predict that pulses will propagate "backward" through such a material. Using an erbium-doped optical fiber and measuring the time evolution of the pulse intensity at many points within the fiber, we demonstrate that the peak of the pulse does propagate backward inside the fiber, even though the energy flow is always in the forward direction.

Citations

• Observation of a spectral hole due to population oscillations in a homogeneously broadened optical absorption line
• Sub- and Superluminal Propagation of Intense Pulses in Media with Saturated and Reverse Absorption
• Observation of superluminal and slow light propagation in erbium-doped optical fiber

Cited by

• Controlling the Velocity of Light Pulses
• Dipole-Induced Electromagnetic Transparency
• Ultradispersive adaptive prism based on a coherently prepared atomic medium
• Towards a quantum interface between spin waves and paramagnetic spin baths
• Group velocity [wikipedia]