Reflection coefficient
In telecommunication, the term reflection coefficient (RC) has the following meanings:
1. The ratio of the amplitude of the reflected wave and the amplitude of the incident wave.
2. At a discontinuity in a transmission line, the complex ratio of the electric field strength of the reflected wave to that of the incident wave. This is typically represented with a <math>\Gamma<math> (capital gamma).
Note 1: The reflection coefficient may also be established using other field or circuit quantities.
Note 2: The reflection coefficient is given by the equations below, where Z 1 is the impedance toward the source, Z 2 is the impedance toward the load, the vertical bars designate absolute magnitude, and SWR is the standing wave ratio:
- <math>\Gamma = \left| {Z_1 - Z_2 \over Z_1 + Z_2} \right| = {SWR - 1 \over SWR + 1}<math>
The reflection coefficient is displayed graphically using a Smith chart.
Source: from Federal Standard 1037C in support of MIL-STD-188
