Signal velocity, causality, and quantum noise in superluminal light pulse propagation

A. Kuzmich, A. Dogariu, L. J. Wang, P. Milonni, R. Y. Chiao

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Summary form only given. It is well known that the group velocity vg of a light pulse can exceed c in an anomalously dispersive medium. As discussed many years ago by Sommerfeld and Brillouin, a group velocity greater than c does not violate causality because it is not the velocity of information transmission. They noted that the "frontal velocity," the velocity at which an infinitely sharp step-function-like disturbance of the light intensity propagates, can serve as a velocity of information transfer. We suggest here an operational definition of the signal velocity and apply it to the recently observed superluminal propagation of a light pulse in a gain medium.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationTechnical Digest - Summaries of Papers Presented at the Quantum Electronics and Laser Science Conference, QELS 2001
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages9-10
Number of pages2
ISBN (Electronic)155752663X, 9781557526632
DOIs
StatePublished - 2001
Externally publishedYes
EventQuantum Electronics and Laser Science Conference, QELS 2001 - Baltimore, United States
Duration: May 6 2001May 11 2001

Publication series

NameTechnical Digest - Summaries of Papers Presented at the Quantum Electronics and Laser Science Conference, QELS 2001

Other

OtherQuantum Electronics and Laser Science Conference, QELS 2001
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBaltimore
Period5/6/015/11/01

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering
  • Radiation

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