Backscattering measurements from double-scale randomly rough surfaces

We present experimental measurements of light backscattered from double-scale randomly rough surfaces (ocean-like surfaces) with different statistical parameters illuminated at small and large angles of incidence. The surfaces are composed of a small-scale roughness superimposed on a slowly (large-scale) varying surface. The large-scale surfaces are diamond-machined periodic surfaces made on aluminum substrates and have either a sinusoidal or a Stokes wave profile. The small-scale roughness is added with lithographic techniques, and the surfaces are then gold coated. For a linearly polarized incident beam, it is found that the backscattered light is strongly depolarized mainly at small angles of incidence and strong shadowing effects are present for large angles of incidence (theta(inc) > 60 degrees). (C) 2012 Optical Society of America