Radar resolution

radar resolution

The minimum separation between two targets that permits them to be distinguished by a radar.

The minimum separation in range along a given direction from the radar is one-half the transmitted pulse length. The minimum angular separation at a given range is approximately the 3-dB beamwidth of the radar. These minimum dimensions determine the radar resolution volume. Targets within the volume are not resolved and appear to be merged into a single target on a radar display. Radar resolution is usually of more concern for point targets than for weather echoes, because the latter are beam-filling targets that are considerably larger than the resolution volume.
Compare pulse volume.

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1. A collimated source of electromagnetic radiation (e.g., a laser beam).