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wavenumber
wavenumber
1. Spatial frequency (k); the number of complete wave cycles per unit distance, and the inverse of wavelength (λ), such that k = 1/λ. 2. Propagation constant; in electromagnetic theory, wavenumber is defined as 2π/λ, and k2 = μω(∈ω + iσ) for the time factor e−iωt, where μ is the magnetic permeability, ω the angular frequency in radians per second, ∈ the dielectric permittivity, and σ the electrical conductivity. |
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Cite this article
AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "wavenumber." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. 31 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "wavenumber." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Encyclopedia.com. (May 31, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O13-wavenumber.html AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY. "wavenumber." A Dictionary of Earth Sciences. 1999. Retrieved May 31, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O13-wavenumber.html |
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wavenumber
wavenumber (symbol σ) The inverse of wavelength. The SI unit is the reciprocal metre. For a spectral line it is the number of waves in a given distance; for example, a line of wavelength 500 nm has 2 000 000 wavelengths in 1 m.
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Cite this article
"wavenumber." A Dictionary of Astronomy. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. 31 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "wavenumber." A Dictionary of Astronomy. 1997. Encyclopedia.com. (May 31, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O80-wavenumber.html "wavenumber." A Dictionary of Astronomy. 1997. Retrieved May 31, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O80-wavenumber.html |
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