Fiber-Based Slow-Light Technologies

A review of current fiber-based technologies capable of producing slow-light effects is presented, with emphasis on the applicability of these technologies to telecommunications. We begin with a review of the basic concepts of phase velocity, group velocity, and group delay. We then present a survey of some of the figures of merit used to quantify the engineering properties of slow-light systems. We also present a description of several of the physical processes that are commonly used to induce a slow-light effect. Finally, a review of some recent advances in this field is presented.