Focusing light with light
Article Abstract:
The possibility of controlling optical properties of gases through lasers is being explored and could have significant technological applications. Rubidium vapor's refractive properties have been enhanced through a laser which alters the focal power and sign. This control is based on a quantum mechanical property where alternative transition pathways are interfered with similarly to wave interference. However, problems remain before commercial applications can be developed such as Doppler broadening.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1995
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Slow light in cool atoms
Article Abstract:
Light can be slowed to a small extent in refractive and transparent media such as water and glass, to velocities a factor of 1.5-2.0 times slower than c. However the limit can be overcome in exceptional circumstances such as laser-dressed atomic media that taken on new optical properties as light interacts with a system of atoms plus laser field. Hau and colleagues have used ultra-cold sodium atoms and observed light pulses propagating at speeds no faster than a swiftly moving bicycle.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1999
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Faster than a speeding photon
Article Abstract:
The question of whether a light pulse can travel faster than the speed of light is considered.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2000
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