BEAMWIDTH Meaning and
Definition
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Beamwidth refers to the angular separation between two points or directions where the power or intensity of a beam of radiation or sound is at least half of the maximum. It is commonly used in fields such as antenna design, radar systems, sonar, and acoustics.
In the context of antennas, beamwidth represents the extent of the radiation pattern of an electromagnetic beam. It is measured in either horizontal (azimuthal) or vertical (elevation) planes. The beamwidth is determined by the shape and characteristics of the antenna, including its size and design. A narrow beamwidth indicates a concentrated radiation pattern, while a broader beamwidth indicates a more dispersed radiation pattern. The narrower the beamwidth, the higher the antenna's directivity, which refers to its ability to concentrate energy in a specific direction.
In radar and sonar systems, beamwidth refers to the area covered by the transmitted or received signal. It provides an indication of the resolution or accuracy of the system in detecting and locating targets. A narrower beamwidth allows for better target discrimination and localization.
In acoustics, beamwidth is used to describe the extent of a sound beam radiated from a transducer. It helps determine the coverage area and the ability of the transducer to focus sound energy in a particular direction.
Overall, beamwidth is a fundamental parameter utilized in various disciplines to characterize the spatial extent and directivity of beams of radiation or sound.
Etymology of BEAMWIDTH
The term "beamwidth" is a compound word consisting of two components: "beam" and "width".
1. "Beam" has its origin in Old English as "bēam" and in Middle English as "beem", referring to a large piece of wood or a supporting structure. This word is further derived from the Proto-Germanic word "*baumaz" and has cognates in other Germanic languages, such as German "Baum" and Dutch "boom".
2. "Width" comes from the Old English word "wydþu", which was used to describe the measurement of how wide or broad something is. It is derived from the Proto-Germanic "*widitho" and shares similarities with words in other Germanic languages, like German "Weite" and Dutch "wijdte".
