Radar waves refer to electromagnetic waves used in radar systems to transmit and receive signals. These waves are typically in the microwave region of the electromagnetic spectrum, which ranges from about 1 GHz to 300 GHz in frequency. Radar waves are produced by radar transmitters and propagate through space at the speed of light. They travel outward from the radar antenna in all directions, and when they encounter objects or targets within the radar’s range, they are reflected back to the radar receiver.
By analyzing the properties of these reflected radar waves, such as their amplitude, phase, frequency and delay, radar systems can detect, locate and track targets precisely.
Electromagnetic waves used in radar systems are primarily in the microwave frequency range. Microwaves have wavelengths ranging from about 1 millimeter to 1 meter and correspond to frequencies between 1 GHz (gigahertz) and 300 GHz (Gigahertz).
These frequencies are well suited for radar applications due to their ability to penetrate various weather conditions such as rain, fog and clouds, while providing sufficient resolution to detect and track objects of interest. Radar systems typically operate at specific microwave frequencies depending on their application, such as air traffic control, weather monitoring, military surveillance, and automotive radar for collision avoidance systems.
Radio waves are used in radar primarily because they have several beneficial properties for radar applications.
Radio waves, especially in the microwave range, have wavelengths that are suitable for long-range transmission and reflection from objects of interest. They exhibit low atmospheric absorption, allowing them to travel long distances and penetrate various atmospheric conditions such as rain, fog and dust. Additionally, microwave frequencies provide good resolution and accuracy in detecting and measuring target position, velocity and characteristics.
These attributes make radio waves ideal for radar systems used in a variety of applications ranging from civil air traffic control and weather monitoring to military surveillance and automobile safety systems