International round-robin experiment to test the International Organization for Standardization total-scattering draft standard

An international round-robin experiment has been conducted among laboratori es in different countries to test the measurement and the data-analysis pro cedures in the International Organization for Standardization draft standar d ISO/DIS 13696 for measuring total scattering from low-scatter laser optic s. Ten laboratories measured total backscattering from high-reflectance mir rors, 50% beam splitters, and antireflection-coated windows. Results were s ent to the Laser Zentrum Hannover, which acted as coordinator and analyzed all the backscattering data. The results showed that the procedure in the d raft standard was useful for measuring and reporting backscattering for low -scatter optics. Problems encountered in the round-robin experiment include d the accumulation of particles on the surfaces, particularly on the high-r eflectance mirrors. (C) 2000 Optical Society of America OCIS codes: 290.029 0, 290.5820, 120.4800.