On the influence of forcing on observed wave dispersion: A strategy for mitigating the effects of material dispersion

In the context of wave propagation, wave dispersion is typically associated with properties of the propagation medium. Here we demonstrate the influence of forcing (over a spatially extended region) on the phase and group velocities of a wave field in both dispersive and nondispersive media. The influence of forcing on observed wave dispersion is relevant because it provides a means for overcoming the effects of material dispersion (such as the spreading of wave packets) in a broad range of wave physics, from electromagnetism to acoustics.