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A continuous wave (CW) is an electromagnetic wave of constant amplitude and frequency; and in mathematical analysis, of infinite duration. Continuous wave is also the name given to an early method of radio transmission, in which a carrier wave is switched on and off. Information is carried in the rhythm and spacing with which the signal is sent. CW is thus is a form of on-off keying (OOK). The output of a laser which is operated in a continuous rather than a pulsed mode. For purposes of safety evaluation, a laser operating with a continuous output for a period > 0.25 s is regarded as a cw laser. |
