Attenuation Coefficient

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Attenuation Coefficient

(symbol Missing Image:IMG SRC="equat/alphasm.gif" WIDTH=14 HEIGHT=11 alt="attenuation coefficient symbol")

A measure of the space rate of attenuation of any transmitted electromagnetic radiation. The attenuation coefficient is defined by

<math>dI = -aI₀dx
or

I = I₀e^-ax</math>

where I is the flux density at the selected point in space; <math>I₀</math> is the flux density at the source; x is the distance from the source; and a is the attenuation coefficient.
In general, the attenuation coefficient is specified only when the attenuation is known to be due to both absorption and scattering, or when it is impossible to determine which is the cause. See absorption coefficient, scattering coefficient.

References

This article is based on NASA's Dictionary of Technical Terms for Aerospace Use