Slow light in a semiconductor waveguide at gigahertz frequencies

We experimentally demonstrate slow-down of light by a factor of three in a 100 mu m long semiconductor waveguide at room temperature and at a record-high frequency of 16.7 GHz. It is shown that the group velocity can be controlled all-optically as well as through an applied bias voltage. A semi-analytical model based on the effect of coherent population oscillations and taking into account propagation effects is derived and is shown to well account for the experimental results. It is shown that the carrier lifetime limits the maximum achievable delay. Based on the general model we analyze fundamental limitations in the application of light slow-down due to coherent population oscillations. (c) 2005 Optical Society of America.