Reflection Coefficient

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Reflection Coefficient

</dt>
A measure of the quality of specular reflection produced by a given surface; defined as the ratio of the radiant energy reflected along the geometrical reflection path to the total that is incident upon the surface. By definition, a reflection coefficient of 1.0 implies perfect specular reflection. Compare reflectivity. </dd>
Reflection coefficients of less than 1.0 occur either as a result of energy loss by absorption at the reflection surface, or by scattering of the energy out of the geometrical reflection path due to the diffuse or irregular nature of the reflecting surface. Note that the reflection coefficient varies with wavelength since a surface which might appear to be rough at very short wavelengths is much smoother to longer wavelength radiation. It also varies with polarization. [[/a>|/a> ]]

References

This article is based on NASA's Dictionary of Technical Terms for Aerospace Use