Fresnel reflection of diffusely incident light

Abstract

The reflection factor of a plane boundary between two media has been computed by the Fresnel formula for unpolarized, perfectly diffused incident light as a function of the relative index of refraction of the media. Because of total internal reflection, the factors depend importantly upon wbether the diffuse flux is incident externally or internally. For example, diffuse light in air incident on the plane surface of glass of index 1.5 is 9.2 percent reflected; but if the perfectly diffuse light is incident internally, the reflection factor is 60 percent.