Experimental characterization of a random metallic rough surface by spectrophotometric measurements in the visible range

Abstract

Back-reflected light from a random rough surface is studied with the purpose of characterising the surface statistical properties. A new goniospectrophotometer with optic fibres is presented and a random rough copper surface is analysed. The probability density of the surface normal and the h/ l ratio (r.m.s. roughness/autocorrelation length) are so obtained. Optical results are compared with mechanical ones, performed with a profilometer. For the first time, Abel's transform method is used to connect the two-dimensional statistical information deduced from optical measurements and the one-dimensional profiles.