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    Light slows down when it passes through certain substances, eg. glass, so therefore it is theoretically possible to slow light down further. What is the slowest speed that scientests have gotten light to?

    Question #65991. Asked by OrliBloomizHOT. (May 21 06 4:10 AM)


    pbr-streetgang

    		I can't find the exact slowest speed achieved, but light moves very slow in a vacuum.

    May 21 06, 2:30 PM
    Baloo55th

    		Err, light moves fastest in a vacuum. It slows down in other things.
    "Light travels at the “speed of light” - 300 million meters (186,000 miles) per second - only in a vacuum. Whenever light travels through a substance, its speed is slowed. For example, in water, light travels at only 225 million meters (140,000 miles) per second."
    http://www.physicscentral.com/people/people-02-2.html
    which is about Lene Hau, who, it appears, has slowed light down to 37 mph, and has also managed to stop light for a millisecond. This was inside a Bose-Einstein condensate, so you won't be able do do it at home.

    May 21 06, 2:47 PM
    pbr-streetgang

    		Sorry, I guess I was confused about light in a vacuum.

    Does it make a difference if you change the bag?

    May 21 06, 4:01 PM
    Baloo55th

    		LOL!!!! Light won't even penetrate the bag in mine....

    May 22 06, 4:22 PM

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