Free Summit Next Week: Learn from over 150 years of Optical Design Experience!
Search
Menu
PI Physik Instrumente - Semiconductor Applications 5/24 ROS LB
Photonics Dictionary

full width half maximum

The full width at half maximum (FWHM) is a measure used in various fields, particularly in spectroscopy, signal processing, and imaging, to characterize the width or extent of a distribution, peak, or feature. 

Specifically, the FWHM is defined as the width of a distribution or peak at half of its maximum amplitude or intensity. In other words, it represents the width of the distribution or peak at the points where the amplitude or intensity is equal to half of its maximum value.

For example, in a Gaussian distribution or a Gaussian-shaped peak, the FWHM corresponds to the distance between the two points on the x-axis where the function reaches half of its maximum height. Similarly, in spectroscopy, the FWHM of a spectral line indicates the spectral bandwidth of the line at half of its peak intensity.

The FWHM is often used as a measure of the resolution or precision of a system. A narrower FWHM indicates a sharper or more finely resolved peak, while a broader FWHM indicates a broader or less resolved peak. In various applications, such as in optical spectroscopy, chromatography, or imaging systems, characterizing the FWHM of peaks or features helps to assess the performance and quality of the measurement or imaging technique.

Explore Our Content
News
Features
Latest Products
Webinars
White Papers
All Things Photonics Podcast
Videos
Our Summits & Conferences
Industry Events
Bookstore
Join Our Community
Subscribe
Advertise
Become a member
Sign in
Contribute a Feature
Suggest a Webinar
Submit a Press Release
Mobile Apps

About Us
Our Company
Our Publications
Contact Us
Career Opportunities
Teddi C. Laurin Scholarship

Terms & Conditions
Privacy Policy
California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)



©2024 Photonics Media
100 West St.
Pittsfield, MA, 01201 USA
[email protected]
We use cookies to improve user experience and analyze our website traffic as stated in our Privacy Policy. By using this website, you agree to the use of cookies unless you have disabled them.