An installation for measurement of light scattering properties of surfaces

Data about light scattering properties of surfaces are used in modern computer graphics for creation of realistic, physically accurate images and in computer systems for optical design. Such a data can be obtained by high precision optical measurements. Direct use of traditional optical devices is impossible because of great volume of needed measurements. The paper discusses a new device intended for measurements of spectral and spatial distribution of light scattered by surfaces. An original concept of the device provides simultaneous measurements in numerous directions and high resolution of measured data near the direction of specular reflection. The CCD-based camera is used as a detector, for parallel processing of large volume of spatial information. The complex is fully operational, a great deal of practical measurements were already conducted with it.