Fundamentals and Applications of Slow Light

Prof. Robert W. Boyd

The Institute of Optics, University of Rochester Rochester, NY 14627 USA

Research performed over the past several years has demonstrated new methods for controlling the velocity of propagation of light pulses through material systems. Ultra slow velocities (tens of meters per second) and ultra fast velocities (including negative velocities) have been demonstrated. This talk will commence with an overview of the field of slow and fast light and will include a discussion of some new ideas for applications of fast and slow light based on the use of room temperature solids.

Speaker Biography: Robert W. Boyd was born in Buffalo, New York. He received the B.S. Degree in physics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Ph.D. degree in physics in 1977 from the University of California at Berkeley. His Ph.D. thesis was supervised by Professor Charles H. Townes and involved the use of nonlinear optical techniques in infrared detection for astronomy. Professor Boyd joined the faculty of the Institute of Optics of the University of Rochester in 1977 and since 1987 has held the position of Professor of Optics. Since July 2001 he has also held the position of the M. Parker Givens Professor of Optics, and since July 2002 has also held the position of Professor of Physics. His research interests include studies of nonlinear optical interactions, studies of the nonlinear optical properties of materials, the development of photonic devices including photonic bio-sensors, and studies of the quantum statistical properties of nonlinear optical interactions. Professor Boyd has written two books, co- edited two anthologies, published over 200 research papers, and has been awarded five patents. He is a fellow of the Optical Society of America and of the American Physical Society and is the past chair of the Division of Laser Science of the American Physical Society.
Web Site: http://www.optics.rochester.edu/workgroups/boyd/nonlinear.html

Friday , November 21st 2008 at 4:00 pm

Dane Smith Hall, Room 125

Refreshments will be served at the talk.