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Scientists Discover Light So Fast It Goes ... Backward

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ROCHESTER, N.Y., May 12, 2006 -- In the past few years, scientists have found ways to make light go both faster and slower than its usual speed limit, but now researchers at the University of Rochester have gone one step further: pushing light into reverse. As if to defy common sense, the backward-moving pulse of light travels faster than light. Confused? You're not alone. University of Rochester optics professor Robert Boyd and his team have observed a light pulse going backward through an optical fiber. (Photo: University of Rochester) "I've had some of the world's experts scratching their heads over this one," said...Read full article

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    Published: May 2006
    Glossary
    light
    Electromagnetic radiation detectable by the eye, ranging in wavelength from about 400 to 750 nm. In photonic applications light can be considered to cover the nonvisible portion of the spectrum which includes the ultraviolet and the infrared.
    optical
    Pertaining to optics and the phenomena of light.
    optical fiber
    Optical fiber is a thin, flexible, transparent strand or filament made of glass or plastic used for transmitting light signals over long distances with minimal loss of signal quality. It serves as a medium for conveying information in the form of light pulses, typically in the realm of telecommunications, networking, and data transmission. The core of an optical fiber is the central region through which light travels. It is surrounded by a cladding layer that has a lower refractive index than...
    backwardBoydErbiumfunhouseindustriallightlight pulsenegative-speedNews & Featuresopticaloptical fiberpulseRochesterspeedUniversity of Rochester

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