  A simple experiment is presented which indicates that electromagnetic fields
propagate superluminally in the near-field next to an oscillating electric
dipole source. A high frequency 437MHz, 2 watt sinusoidal electrical signal is
transmitted from a dipole antenna to a parallel near-field dipole detecting
antenna. The phase difference between the two antenna signals is monitored with
an oscilloscope as the distance between the antennas is increased. Analysis of
the phase vs distance curve indicates that superluminal transverse electric
field waves (phase and group) are generated approximately one-quarter
wavelength outside the source and propagate toward and away from the source.
Upon creation, the transverse waves travel with infinite speed. The outgoing
transverse waves reduce to the speed of light after they propagate about one
wavelength away from the source. The inward propagating transverse fields
rapidly reduce to the speed of light and then rapidly increase to infinite
speed as they travel into the source. The results are shown to be consistent
with standard electrodynamic theory.
