Light attenuation analysis based on integral equations

AbstractThe shadowing and masking of a rough surface is an important problem for reflection models in computer graphics. The widely used Smith’s geometry attenuation factor (GAF) takes a few factors such as root-mean-square (rms) into account and makes too many assumptions. In our research, we construct a brand-new calculation technique for issues involving light attenuation on a rough surface. The GAF algorithm is derived from a scattering field based on integral equations and the computational electromagnetic method. Specifically, our use of the method of moments has enabled us to tackle the problem of analytically computing the shadowing and masking on a rough surface by taking practical factors such as wavelength, surface contour, polarization, material, rms, and so on into consideration. It is more precise than Smith’s GAF theory.KEYWORDS: Light attenuationmicrofacet theorymasking and shadowingSmith’s theorythe method of momentscomputational electromagnetic method AcknowledgmentsThe authors would like to sincerely thank all reviewers for their helpful comments and suggestions.Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.Additional informationFundingThis work was supported by Natural Science Foundation of Shaanxi Province of China (2022JM-385).