## Diffuse Reflectors

Diffuse reflection occurs when the surface is characterized by objects that are large relative to the wavelength of the incident radiation. As a result, radiation is reflected in many different directions, depending on the orientation of the smaller reflecting surfaces. This diffuse reflection does not yield a mirror image, but instead produces diffused radiation. If the surface is so rough that there are no individual reflecting surfaces, then unpredictable scattering may occur. A Lambertian surface is one for which the radiant flux leaving the surface is constant for any angle of reflectance to the surface. A good example of an ideal diffuse reflector is that of snow cover. Contrast the image below with the sunglint image shown in the section on specular reflection.

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