Incoherent backscatter from rough surfaces: The two‐scale model reexamined

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Abstract
An expression for the incoherent backscatter cross section per unit area of a two‐scale rough surface is derived that includes the effects of local polarization tilt angles, thus providing a first‐order cross‐polarized scattering component. A rigorous numerical method of evaluating the derived expression is developed and two approximate solutions are also derived. The approximate solutions clarify the two‐scale interaction for the cases of diffuse and quasi‐specular small‐scale scattering. Calculated scattering distributions are compared with experimental data at radar and optical frequencies using both perturbation theory and physical optics polarization coefficients. Good agreement with copolarized radar data is obtained using perturbation theory polarization coefficients while physical optics polarization predictions are observed at optical frequencies. Ambiguities in the comparisons between experimental data and model predictions are discussed.

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