Methods for generating wideband localized waves of superluminal group velocity

Formation of superluminal localized waves (SpLW) - ultrawideband light pulses propagating faster than c without any spread or distortion in free space - is studied. A general approach how to produce exactly the angular spectrum required for generating SpLW in optical domain is introduced and analyzed. An experimentally realizable scheme, most suitable for generating SpLW of infinite group velocity (shortly - infinitely superluminal localized wave - iSpLW) is derived from the general approach. Experimental set-up for launching the iSpLW has been designed and resulting wave field calculated. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.