millimeter wave

Electromagnetic waves with a wavelength from one to 10 millimeters, which corresponds to spectrum from 30 to 300 GHz. Millimeter wave applications include communications, radar, radio astronomy, military and 5G cellular. The higher the frequency, the shorter the wavelength, the narrower the beam and the smaller the antennas. Radio astronomy using millimeter waves dates back to the 1960s, and military deployment began in the 1970s. The first consumer usage was radar-based vehicle collision avoidance in the 1990s.

5G Reaches Millimeter Wavelengths

Numerous frequency ranges have been allotted to the 5G cellular system, which include millimeter wave bands (see 5G frequency bands and 5G UWB). See wavelength, microwave, wideband, WiGig and WirelessHD.

 FCC SANCTIONED MILLIMETER WAVE BANDS

 Frequency  Range   Wavelength  Licensed

 57-64 GHz  V-band  5.3-4.7mm     No

 76-77 GHz  Radar   3.9mm         No

 71-76 GHz  E-band  4.2-4.0mm     Yes
 81-86 GHz  E-band  3.7-3.5mm     Yes

 92-95 GHz  W-band  3.3-3.2mm     Yes