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Diffuse reflection scatters light off a surface, allowing human eyes to see an object. The degree of reflection depends on the surface’s characteristics. The absorption of light by the surface determines reflection, and the color of an object is determined by its diffuse reflection. Metals, gases, and glass do not have good diffuse reflectivity, while diamonds, salt, and some insects’ shells refract light through their surface. Diffuse reflection is also used as a photographic technique for uniform lighting.
Diffuse reflection is the property of light to scatter when it reflects off a surface. Light travels in straight lines and when it strikes an object, its expected primary angle of reflection is called a specular reflection. Furthermore, the light also reflects in all possible angles and directions. The degree or amplitude of this diffuse reflection depends on the characteristics of the reflecting substance and the surface.
Some surfaces, such as a highly polished metal mirror, reflect light with nearly 100% specular efficiency. Other surfaces, such as those of some crystals or liquids, can pass most or all of it through the surface and medium. Most objects in the world, including the examples above, reflect light in both specular and diffuse ways to varying degrees. Diffuse reflection is the primary property of light that allows human eyes to see an object.
The main determinant of reflection is the absorption of light by the surface. Glossy surfaces such as white marble stone or irregular paper fibers reflect scattered light almost as efficiently. Black objects tend to absorb more light. Some natural things as well as man-made ones emit light and overpower any scattered reflections from their surface to distinguish them as objects.
Light is absorbed and reflected by nanoscale surfaces. Visible light, ranging from violet to red, has a wavelength of 380 to 780 nanometers (nm). Surfaces with a sympathetic molecular structure at a given wavelength will reflect it. Others will pass through it until the beam encounters a reflective surface beneath it. At this scale, all surfaces are somewhat uneven.
The color of an object is determined by its diffuse reflection. Specular reflection, such as the glittering reflections of the sculpted shape of an automobile, is close to 100% from the light source. The oblique light rays from the rest of the body paint are partially absorbed and only a narrower wavelength such as cherry red is reflected in all directions, even towards the eyes of an admirer.
Three types of materials do not have good diffuse reflectivity. They include molecularly compact substances, such as metals, that do not let light through. Also included in this category are substances such as gases and glass with loose molecular structures that allow almost all light to pass through.
Furthermore, very simple or very complex crystalline structures absorb light and refract it through its surface instead of reflecting it. Diamonds, salt, and the hard shell or scales of some insects fall into this category. Diffuse reflection has also been used as a photographic technique term for bouncing a light source off a subject for more uniform, less directional lighting.
