FWHM
Science & Engineering abbreviation · Physics
| Stands for | Full width at half maximum |
|---|---|
| Categories | Science & Engineering |
FWHM stands for Full width at half maximum, a physics abbreviation.
Width of a peak or pulse measured between the two points where it falls to half its highest value. FWHM is the standard way to state the sharpness of spectral lines, laser pulses, X-ray diffraction peaks and the focus of telescopes and imaging systems.
Example: The laser emits pulses with an FWHM duration of 35 femtoseconds.
Usage notes
For a Gaussian curve, FWHM is about 2.355 times the standard deviation. Astronomers describe atmospheric "seeing" as the FWHM of a star's image in arcseconds. A narrower FWHM in a spectrum usually means better resolution or a purer sample.
Related abbreviations
More physics abbreviations
- EMP – Electromagnetic pulse
- EMR – Electromagnetic radiation
- EPR – Einstein-Podolsky-Rosen (paradox)
- EUV – Extreme ultraviolet
- FBD – Free-body diagram
- FCC – Future Circular Collider
- g – Acceleration due to gravity
- GR – General relativity
- GUT – Grand unified theory
- GW – Gravitational wave
- h – Planck constant
- HEP – High-energy physics