Abstract

The distribution of angular scattering from Si₃N₄ nano-powder and its mixture with different plastic powder was evaluated by our automatic laser scattering system. The Si₃N₄ nano-powder was produced by the method of laser-induced vapor phase synthesis. The experimental results obtained seem to indicate that both the profiles and the intensities of the angular scattering may be controlled not only by the amount of the nano-powder but also by the plastic powder's properties. Although the normalized scattering intensities are similar, the profiles of the angular scattering depend on the radiation wavelength. By comparison with those of a glass-bead sample, we found the shape of the angular scattering can be easily controlled as needed by selecting the nano-powder material and/or its mixture. These properties should be considered in analysis of surface signatures, in definition of a surface signature model, and in evaluation of the photometric characteristics of a surface.

© 1992 Optical Society of America