Diffuse reflection

Diffuse reflections occur when light scatters off rough or irregular surfaces, such as matte or textured surfaces. The scattered light reflects in various directions, leading to a lack of clear images or sharp details.

  • Most objects produce diffuse reflections as light scatters off their surfaces in random directions. It is often almost impossible to pick out the shape or colour of objects in a diffuse refection.
  • All objects obey the law of reflection on a microscopic level.
  • If the irregularities on the surface of an object are larger than the wavelengths of the incident light, light reflects in all directions and produces diffuse reflections.
  • A diffuse reflection is easily distinguished from the mirror-like qualities of a specular reflection.
Related diagrams

Each diagram below can be viewed on its own page with a full explanation.

References