What does the term 'carrier frequency' specifically refer to?

The term 'carrier frequency' specifically refers to a frequency that can be modulated to carry information. In communication systems, the carrier frequency serves as the primary signal that can be altered, or modulated, to embed information such as audio, video, or data. This modulation process can take various forms, including amplitude modulation (AM) or frequency modulation (FM), where the properties of the carrier frequency are changed in accordance with the information signal being transmitted.

The importance of the carrier frequency lies in its ability to enable the efficient transmission of information over long distances while being robust against noise and interference. It functions as a vehicle for the signal, allowing it to occupy a specific bandwidth in the spectrum that can be tuned for reception by appropriate receiving devices.