Experimental validation of the Generalized Harvey-Shack surface scatter theory

Abstract

Experimental Validation of the Generalized Harvey-Shack Surface Scatter Theory. The Generalized Harvey-Shack (GHS) surface scatter theory claims to predict the scatter from rough surfaces over a wide domain of validity but has not been widely implemented or tested. The focus of this research is to provide a documented implementation and experimental validation of the GHS theory for the prediction of the bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) from real rough surfaces. First, the GHS theory was developed for the MATLAB R software and the details of its implementation and application to experimental comparison are discussed. Next, a BRDF measurement system was designed, built, and validated. The BRDF of the Spectralon reflectance standard was measured with high agreement. Sample surfaces were characterized via atomic force microscopy as inputs to the GHS theory. The BRDF of each surface was then measured and simulated with the assumption of Gaussian autocovariance. When this assumption held, the GHS theory predictions matched well with experimental results.