We demonstrate a technique for measuring pulse propagation time delays with
0.5-fs resolution by use of a widely available 100-fs pulsed laser. Using
this technique, we measured the time delay of a light pulse transiting thro
ugh subwavelength apertures placed on a 0.3-mum metallic film. We measured
a 7-fs total transit time, corresponding to an effective group velocity of
c/7. The experimental result yielded additional evidence that light interac
ts resonantly with oscillators formed by the surface modes near the small a
pertures. (C) 2001 Optical Society of America.