NEAR FIELD Meaning and
Definition
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Near field refers to a physical region or zone in the vicinity of an object or source where certain phenomena occur. It is often associated with the interaction between electromagnetic waves and objects, particularly in the context of technology and communication. The term "near field" is commonly used in fields such as wireless communication, electrical engineering, and optics.
In the context of electromagnetic waves, the near field is the region close to the source where the magnetic and electric fields are dominant over the radiative field. This region is characterized by non-propagating electromagnetic waves that exhibit significant fluctuations in amplitude and phase. The near field is typically limited to a fraction of the wavelength of the wave and can be further divided into two regions: the electric field dominant region and the magnetic field dominant region.
The near field plays a crucial role in various applications, such as wireless power transfer, where energy is transferred between devices when they are in close proximity. It is also important in near field communication (NFC) technology, which enables short-range communication between devices for tasks like contactless payments and data transfer.
In summary, the near field refers to the region surrounding an object or source where the interaction and effects of electromagnetic waves are significant. It provides distinct characteristics and plays a key role in various technologies and applications.
Etymology of NEAR FIELD
The word "near field" comes from the combination of the adjective "near" and the noun "field".
The term "near" is ultimately derived from Old English "neah", which means "close, nearby". It has cognates in other Germanic languages such as German "nah" and Dutch "na".
The word "field" originates from Old English "feld", which refers to an open expanse of land, often used for cultivation or pasture. This term has cognates in several other Germanic languages, including German "Feld" and Dutch "veld".
When combined as "near field", the term is often used in physics and engineering to describe a region or space close to a source or object, typically referring to electromagnetic fields or other types of physical phenomena.
