Some polarization characteristics of magnesium oxide and other diffuse reflectors

Measurements were made with a laser at a wavelength of 6328 A to determine the effects of polarization on the reflection properties of "diffuse" reflectors. Bidirectional reflectance, with the polarization plane of the laser source and the plane of a polarization analyzer at the receiver as parameters, was measured in the incidence plane for smoke-deposited magnesium oxide, pressed magnesium oxide powder, a diffusely reflecting white paint, and Fiberfrax ceramic insulating felt. It is shown that the bidirectional reflectance, rho', of these samples and the extent to which it departs from Lambert's cosine law are definitely functions of source and receiver polarization. The percentage polarization of reflected radiation is also given for both polarized and unpolarized sources.