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

Back-reflected light from a random rough surface is studied with the purpos e of characterising the surface statistical properties. A new goniospectrop hotometer with optic fibres is presented and a random rough copper surface is analysed. The probability density of the surface normal and the h/l rati o (r.m.s. roughness/autocorrelation length) are so obtained. Optical result s 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-dime nsional profiles. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.