Optical specification of light-scattering materials

Abstract

In 1931 Kubelka and Munk worked out the relationship between reflectance and thickness of material for thin, homogeneous layers illuminated diffusely. In the equation expressing this r elationship, the hypothetical ideal material is defined by two constants, r eflectivity and coefficient of scatter. In the present paper are given data demonstrating how well several materials of commerce can be specified by these constants. These include data on vitreous enamel, dental silicate cement, cold-water paint, and paper.