Backscattering cross section

In physics generally, it is defined as the area which intercepts an amount of power in the incident beam which, if radiated isotropically, would yield a reflected signal strength at the transmitter of the same magnitude as the actual object produces.^[1]

In fisheries acoustics, the same term is used to mean the same area but divided by 4π.^[2][3] In other areas of underwater acoustics, the general physics definition is used.^[4]

• Radar cross-section
• Target strength