Superluminal, subluminal, and negative velocities in free-space electromagnetic propagation

Abstract

In this Chapter the time-domain analysis of the velocity of the electromagnetic field pulses generated by a spatially compact source in free space is presented. Recent simulations and measurements of anomalous superluminal, subluminal, and negative velocities are discussed. It is shown that such velocities are local and instantaneous in nature and do not violate either causality or special relativity. Although these effects are mainly confined to the near- and intermediate-field zones, some of them seem paradoxical and still lack adequate physical interpretation.