On the Pulse Velocity in Absorbing and Nonlinear Media and Parallels With the Quantum Mechanics - Abstract

A novel definition of pulse propagation velocity is introduced. It is shown that the present definition does not lead to confusing results such as complex velocity or velocity exceeding the light velocity in the vacuum. Also shown are the parallels of this definition to the classical and quantum mechanics conceptions. Using the present definition reveals certain analogies between electromagnetic pulse propagation in the classical physics and de Broglie wave-packets propagation in the quantum mechanics, thus adding support to its validity.