Power Density
Definition: intensity or power per unit frequency interval
German: Leistungsdichte
How to cite the article; suggest additional literature
Author: Dr. RĂ¼diger Paschotta
The term power density is sometimes used as a short form of power spectral density in the context of noise specifications. In other cases, it is meant to be an optical power per unit area, but optical intensity or irradiance is then a more appropriate term.
In order to avoid such confusion, it is recommended to avoid the use of this term altogether, unless the context makes clear which meaning is used.
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See also: optical intensity, irradiance, optical power, power spectral density, noise specifications
and other articles in the category optical metrology
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