# Correct Notation of Radiation Pattern of an Antenna

I have a confusion regarding the notation of radiation pattern of an antenna array. Some literatures use, say, $$F(r,\theta,\phi)$$ to denote the same while others use $$F(\theta,\phi)$$I would appreciate if anyone tells me the proper notation for the same. I am writing a report and I am not sure which notation to follow to represent the radiation pattern(field/power).

• "r" is usually the distance from the antenna so not specifying "r" would seem pointless unless it's just for field measurements at the antenna really close up? – Andy aka Jan 4 '16 at 13:49
• Well I am dealing with radiation patterns at the far field and in majority of popular literature like Balanis, Thiele, etc. "r" is ignored in the notation of radiation pattern which is making me wonder "why is it ignored" and "which notation" to use in my report. – rmb Jan 4 '16 at 14:15
• Links to both literature pieces is likely required to answer this. – Andy aka Jan 4 '16 at 14:21
• Since the books are not available online, I am posting the online wiki link explaining radiation pattern. Here also "r" has been ignored. – rmb Jan 4 '16 at 16:43
• Just a tip, but unless there is a defined standard in your class/field, you need to specify whether $\theta$ and $\phi$ are bearing and azimuth or azimuth and bearing. Different math and engineering books exchange them and it can be super confusing. – Daniel Jan 5 '16 at 2:28