Random scattering refers to the scattering of light rays in various directions when they encounter irregularities or imperfections on a surface.
Random scattering takes place when a material reflects or transmits light rays in multiple directions.
Random scattering can produce reflections that appear soft, lack distinct detail, or even result in no reflection at all.
When light passes through sheets of glass with irregular yet smooth surfaces, it distorts the view of the world beyond. Random scattering is responsible wherever the image appears blurry and confused.
A reflection that is free of the effects of random scattering is called a specular reflection. Mirrors generally produce specular reflections.
Diffuse light
Diffuse light involves the random scattering of light in all directions when it encounters a rough or uneven surface.
Diffuse light is produced when it bounces off rough or uneven surfaces, scattering light in every direction.
Diffuse light can be the result of the overall structure and composition of the medium, such as when light is transmitted through the interior of a medium that:
Contains foreign material
Contains suspended particles of different sizes
Has an irregular interior structure
Has variations in density
Absorbs light and then re-emits it
Translucent materials containing dissolved substances such as dyes don’t cause random scattering.
On a microscopic scale, all objects adhere to the law of reflection; however, when surface irregularities are larger than the wavelength of light, the light undergoes scattering leading to diffusion.