How does pulse duration affect the performance of a RADAR system?

Pulse duration plays a critical role in the resolution and detection capabilities of a RADAR system. Shorter pulse durations are linked to improved resolution because they enable the system to distinguish between two closely spaced targets more effectively. This is due to the fact that a shorter pulse means a tighter beam of energy is transmitted, allowing the RADAR system to obtain more precise location data for each detected object.

However, it is important to recognize that while shorter pulse durations enhance resolution, they can also lead to a reduction in detection range. This occurs because the RADAR system spends less time transmitting energy, which may result in a lower probability of detecting objects at greater distances. Thus, while improved resolution is a significant advantage of shorter pulses, it can come at the cost of the ability to detect targets further away.

In contrast, longer pulse durations can provide more energy per pulse, improving overall detection range, but this can lead to decreased resolution, as the system may struggle to differentiate between targets that are close together in distance. The other options presented do not accurately capture the nuanced relationship between pulse duration, resolution, and detection range in RADAR systems.