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A '''continuous wave''' or '''continuous waveform''' ('''CW''') is an [[Electromagnetic radiation|electromagnetic wave]] of constant amplitude and frequency, typically a [[sine wave]], that for mathematical analysis is considered to be of infinite duration. It may refer to e.g. a laser or [[particle accelerator]] having a continuous output, as opposed to a pulsed output.

By extension, the term ''continuous wave'' also refers to an early method of radio transmission in which a sinusoidal carrier wave is switched on and off. This is more precisely called '''interrupted continuous wave''' ('''ICW'''). Information is carried in the varying duration of the on and off periods of the signal, for example by [[Morse code]] in early radio. In early wireless telegraphy radio transmission, CW waves were also known as "undamped waves", to distinguish this method from damped wave signals produced by earlier ''spark gap'' type transmitters.

[[Category:Electromagnetic radiation]]


== Continuous Wave Media ==
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File:Bencher paddle.jpg|A commercially manufactured paddle for use with electronic keyer to generate Morse code
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