Propagation of a Gaussian Light Pulse through an Anomalous Dispersion Medium

The propagation of a Gaussian light pulse through a medium having a positive or negative absorption line is examined. Analytical approximations are obtained for the case where the spectral width of the pulse is much smaller than that of the line. It is shown that the pulse remains substantially Gaussian and unchanged in width for many exponential absorption depths, and that the locus of instants of maximum amplitude follows the classical expression for the group velocity, even if this is greater than the velocity of light, or negative. Numerical calculations have been used to examine what happens beyond the limit of usefulness of the analytical approximations.