0.63u Scatter Measurements from Teflon and Various Metallic Surfaces

A cursory examination of a visible laser beam incident on any refracting or reflecting system will show that energy is scattered from the laser beam. This scattering may be due to dust particles, irregularities of the surfaces, or to inhomogeneities in the volume of the material. Depending upon the surface, some energy is scattered at wide angles from the laser beam. A knowledge of the amount of scattered energy is of primary importance in determining the losses and may assist in characterizing the surface.