The load in pounds per square inch where the material under test begins to change dimensions and will not completely recover when the load is removed. Yield strength will normally be lower than ultimate strength. Generally speaking, the more rigid a material is, the closer will be yield and ultimate strengths. Furthermore, the more resilient a material is, the greater the spread between yield and ultimate strengths.
Wavelength
The distance between points of corresponding phase of two consecutive cycles of a wave. The wavelength is related to the propagation velocity, and the frequency. It is indirectly proportional to frequency.
Wavelength Isolation
A WDM’s isolation of a light signal in the desired optical channel from the unwanted optical channels. Also called far-end crosstalk.
Wetting
The thorough impregnation of a material by a liquid. The more viscous a fluid, and the higher its surface tension, the more difficult it is for the liquid to “wet” materials. Certain additives, for example, water softeners, reduce surface tension, or viscosity and improve wetting properties, allowing the material to flow out more.
Wetting Balance
An instrument used to measure wetting forces, and consequently, estimate solderability.
Whisker
A metallic growth, needle-like in size, that appears on the surface of a PCB.
Wire Bonding
The use of fine wires to connect semiconductor packages to the next level of packaging. Wires are composed of gold or aluminum.
Working life
The period of time during which an epoxy after mixing with a curing agent, remains workable and suitable for use.
Visible Spectrum
Light which can be seen by the unaided human eye, defined in our case as between 400 nm and 750 nm.
Void
A hole or bubble in a solder joint.