Continuous wave (CW) refers to a type of signal or transmission where the signal is constant and does not vary with time. In various contexts, the term is used to describe continuous, uninterrupted oscillations or waves.
Here are a few applications of the term in different fields:
Electromagnetic waves: In radio communication and radar systems, a continuous wave signal is a steady oscillation of radio frequency (RF) energy. It does not involve modulation, which means the amplitude, frequency, and phase of the signal remain constant over time.
Lasers: In laser technology, a continuous wave laser emits a continuous, uninterrupted beam of light. This is in contrast to pulsed lasers, which emit short bursts of light.
Acoustics: In acoustics, a continuous wave can refer to a continuous, unmodulated sound wave.
Physics and electronics: In general physics and electronics, a continuous wave is a wave form that is continuous over time, without interruption or modulation.
In the context of lasers, a continuous wave laser is one that emits a continuous output of light, as opposed to a pulsed laser that emits light in short pulses. Continuous wave lasers are often used in applications where a steady and continuous output is desirable, such as in certain types of medical procedures, material processing, and communication systems.