2009/11/20 by Robert W. Boyd, Daniel J. Gauthier · 3 citations
Physics and Astronomy · #Quantum optics and atomic interactions #Atomic and Subatomic Physics Research #Mechanical and Optical Resonators
paper · doi:10.1126/science.1170885
openalex publication_date 2009/11/20 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/01
It is now possible to exercise a high degree of control over the velocity at which light pulses pass through material media. This velocity, known as the group velocity, can be made to be very different from the speed of light in a vacuum c. Specifically, the group velocity of light can be made much smaller than c, greater than c, or even negative. We present a survey of methods for establishing extreme values of the group velocity, concentrating especially on methods that work in room-temperature solids. We also describe some applications of slow light.