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Question

Modeling imperfect retroreflector / Backscattering

  • February 10, 2026
  • 1 reply
  • 9 views

Jonathan C

Hello,

I need to model an imperfect retroreflector, such as those found on safety jackets or road signs, as shown in the picture below. I would like the retroreflection to be within a cone of angles ranging from 2 to 10 degrees from the source.

In Sequential mode, I discovered that we can add a retroreflector surface, but the beam still only reflects from the original source. I tried changing the scattering surface, but even when I used a Lambertian, Gaussian, ABg or BSDF and set the Scatter Fraction to 1, it still didn’t work. The rays still go back to where they came from.

In Non-Sequential mode, I managed to add a Lambertian, Gaussian or BSDF in the Scatter Model panel, but when I give an angle to the surface, there is still a specular (BRDF) effect. There is something to change here but I don’t know what nor how.

Is there a way to simulate such backscattering or retroreflection?

Thank you for you help

1 reply

David
Luminary
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  • Luminary
  • February 15, 2026

Hi Jonathon,

In nonsequential OpticStudio has an object called Ray Rotator. If you set the Z rotation at 180 degrees and the material to MIRROR, then the object becomes an ideal retroreflector. It will not accept a scatter model. (It has no faces.) However, you can place a rectangle object in front of it and assign that a scatter model. Since rays pass through it coming and going, for a setting of n Number of Rays to Scatter you will get n^2 rays. And the model will produce wider scattering than for a single pass. But it may serve your purpose.

I attach a ZAR made with OpticStudio 22 in a ZIP, which is the latest model to which I have access.