Reflection
Most surfaces produce a diffuse reflection of the laser beam in all directions. The
structure (smooth or rough), shape (flat or curved), and color (light or dark) of the
surface determine how well the laser beam is reflected.
On very rough surfaces, a large proportion of the energy is lost due to absorption.
Curved surfaces produce a higher diffusion. Dark surfaces reflect the laser beam worse
than light ones (brilliant white plaster reflects approx. 100% of the light, while black
foam rubber reflects approx. 2.4%). The aforementioned surface characteristics can
reduce the scanning range of the device, in particular for surfaces with low remission
values.
Figure 6: Reflection of light on the surface of the object
Angle of reflection
The angle of reflection corresponds to the angle of incidence. If the laser beam hits
a surface at right angles, the energy is optimally reflected. If the laser beam hits a
surface at an oblique angle, energy and range are lost accordingly.
Figure 7: Angle of reflection
Retroreflection
If the reflective energy is greater than 100%, the beam is not reflected diffusely in all
directions; instead it is reflected in a targeted way (retroreflection). Thus a large part of
the emitted energy can be received by the laser distance measurer. Plastic reflectors
(cat’s eyes), reflective tape, and triple prisms have these properties.
Figure 8: Retroreflection
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
3
8024231/1G72/2022-05-27 | SICK
O P E R A T I N G I N S T R U C T I O N S | TiM781
17
Subject to change without notice
