Scattering by two-dimensional rough surfaces: comparison between the method of moments,Kirchhoff and small-slope approximations

Abstract

We use a rigorous numerical code based on the method of moments to test the accuracy and validity domains of two popular first-order approximations, namely the Kirchhoff and the small-slope approximation(SSA), in the case of two-dimensional rough surfaces. The experiment is performed on two representative types of surfaces: surfaces with Gaussian spectrum, which are the paradigm of single-scale surfaces, and ocean-like surfaces, which belong to the family of multi-scale surfaces. The main outcome of these computations in the former case is that the SSA is outperformed by the Kirchhoff approximation(KA) outside the near-perturbative domain and in fact is quite unpredictable in that its accuracy does not depend only on the slope. For ocean-like surfaces, however, SSA behaves surprisingly well and is more accurate than the KA.     

A heuristic model approximation for scattering from perfectly conducting one-dimensional random rough surfaces

Abstract

We propose a model for scattering from one-dimensional, perfectly conducting, slightly rough surfaces. A possible method for solving the scattering equations is examined which, with some assumptions, suggests the final result. The approximation is relatively simple and is comparable in computational effort with most first-order theories. We compare the bistatic scattering cross section for TE waves predicted by the present model for Gaussian randomly rough surfaces with numerical simulations and with some first-order theories. The comparison shows that the model is remarkably accurate for slightly rough surfaces and TE polarization.     

On the high-frequency limit of the second-order small-slope approximation

Abstract

Small-slope approximation (SSA) is a scattering theory that is supposed to unify both the small-perturbation model and the Kirchhoff approximation (KA). We study and compute the second-order small-slope approximation (SSA2) in a high-frequency approximation (SSA2-hf) that makes it proportional to the first-order term, with a roughness-independent factor. For the 3D electromagnetic problem we show analytically that SSA2-hf actually meets KA in the case of perfectly conducting surfaces. This no longer holds in the dielectric case but we give numerical evidence that the two methods remain extremely close to each other for moderate scattering angles. We discuss the potential applications of SSA2-hf and give some 2D numerical comparison with rigorous computations.     

A numerical evaluation of Rayleigh's theory applied to scattering by randomly rough dielectric surfaces

Abstract

We present a numerical simulation of scattering by one-dimensional randomly rough surfaces. It is based on the use of plane-wave expansions to describe the Melds on the surface (i.e. Rayleigh hypothesis). Accuracy and convergence properties of two different numerical implementations are studied. Some examples of results for a dielectric and a metallic Gaussian rough surface are shown to be in good agreement with calculations by a rigorous numerical method. The Rayleigh method appears to be a fast computation tool for dielectric surfaces with slopes of less than 0.2.     

Multiple scattering in the high-frequency limit with second-order shadowing function from 2D anisotropic rough dielectric surfaces: II. comparison with numerical results

Abstract

This second part presents illustrative examples of the model developed in the companion paper, which is based on the first- and second-order optics approximation. The surface is assumed to be Gaussian and the correlation height is chosen as anisotropic Gaussian. The incoherent scattering coefficient is computed for a height rms range from 0.5λ 1λwhere λ is the electromagnetic wavelength), for a slope rms range from 0.5 to 1 and for an incidence angle range from 0 to 70°. In addition, simulations are presented for an anisotropic Gaussian surface and when the receiver is not located in the plane of incidence. For a metallic and dielectric isotropic Gaussian surfaces, the cross- and co-polarizations are also compared with a numerical approach obtained from the forward.backward method with a novel spectral acceleration algorithm developed by Torrungrueng and Johnson (2001, JOSA A 18). (Some figures in this article are in colour only in the electronic version)     

Two families of non-local scattering models and the weighted curvature approximation

Abstract

There are several nonlocal scattering models available in the literature. Most of them are given with little or no mention of their expected accuracy. Moreover, high- and low-frequency limits are rarely tested. The most important limits are the low-frequency or the small perturbation method (SPM) and the high-frequency Kirchhoff approximation (KA) or the geometric optics (GO). We are interested in providing some insight into two families of non-local scattering models. The first family of models is based on the Meecham–Lysanov ansatz (MLA). This ansatz includes the non-local small slope approximation (NLSSA) by Voronovich and the operator expansion method by Milder (OEM). A quick review of this first family of models is given along with a novel derivation of a series of kernels which extend the existing models to include some more fundamental properties and limits. The second family is derived from formal iterations of geometric optics which we call the ray tracing ansatz (RTA). For this family we consider two possible kernels. The first is obtained from iteration of the high-frequency Kirchhoff approximation, while the second is an iteration of the weighted curvature approximation (WCA). In the latter case we find that most of the required limits and fundamental conditions are fulfilled, including tilt invariance and reciprocity. A study of scattering from Dirichlet sinusoidal gratings is then provided to further illustrate the performance of the models considered.     

Numerical,analytical, and experimental studies of scattering from very rough surfaces and backscattering enhancement

Abstract

This paper Presents numerical simulations, theoretical analysis, and millimeter wave experiments for scattering from one-dimensional very rough surfaces. First, numerical simulations are used to investigate the effects of roughness spectrum, height variation, interface medium, polarization, and incident angle on the backscattering enhancement. The enhanced backscattering due to rough surface scattering is divided into two cases; the RMS height close to a wavelength and RMS slope close to unity, and RMS height much smaller than a wavelength with surface wave contributions. Results also show that the enhancement is sensitive to the roughness spectrum. Next, a theory based on the first- and second-order Kirchhoff approximation modified with angular and propagation shadowing is developed. The theoretical solutions provide a physical explanation of backscattering enhancement and agree well with the numerical results. In addition to the scattering of a monochromatic wave, the analytical results of the broadening and lateral spreading of a pulsed beam wave scattering from rough surfaces are also discussed. Finally, the existence of backscattering enhancement from one-dimensional very rough conducting surfaces with exact Gaussian statistics and Gaussian roughness spectrum is verified by a millimeter-wave experiment. Experimental results which show enhanced backscattering for both TE and TM polarizations for different angles of incidence are presented.     

Bistatic scattering and depolarization by randomly rough surfaces: application to the natural rough surfaces in X-band

Abstract

The scattering of waves by random rough surfaces has important applications in the remote sensing of oceans and land. The problem of developing a model for rough surfaces is very difficult since, at best, the scattering coefficient σ⁰ is dependent upon (at least) the radar frequency, geometrical and physical parameters, incident and observation angles, and polarization. The problem of electromagnetic scattering from a randomly rough surface is analysed using the Kirchhoff approximation (stationary phase, scalar approximation), the small-perturbation model and the two-scale models. A first major new consideration in this paper is the polarimetric signature calculations as a function of the transmitter location and receiver location for a bistatic radio-link. We calculate the like- and cross-polarized received power directly using the scattering coefficients, without calculating the Mueller matrix. Next, a study of the regions of validity of the Kirchhoff and small-perturbation rough surface scattering models (in the bistatic case) is presented. Comparisons between the numerical calculations and the models are made for various surface rms heights and correlation lengths both normalized to the incident wavenumber (denoted by σ and L, respectively). By using these two parameters to form a two-dimensional space, the approximate regions of validity are then established. The second major new consideration is the development of a theoretical two-scale model describing bistatic reflectivity as well as the numerical results computed for the bistatic radar cross section from rough surfaces especially from the sea and snow-covered surfaces. The results are used to show the Brewster angle effect on near-grazing angle scattering.     

Bistatic scattering coefficient from one- and two-dimensional random surfaces using the stationary phase and scalar approximation with shadowing effect: comparisons with experiments and application to the sea surface

Abstract

In this paper, the bistatic scattering coefficient from one- and two-dimensional random surfaces using the stationary phase method and scalar approximation with shadowing effect is investigated. Both of these approaches use the Kirchhoff integral. With the stationary phase, the bistatic cross section is formulated in terms of the surface height joint characteristic function where the shadowing effect is investigated. In the case of the scalar approximation, the scattering function is computed from the previous characteristic function and in terms of expected values for the integrations over the slopes, where the shadowing effect is analysed analytically. Both of these formulations are compared with experimental data obtained from a Gaussian one-dimensional randomly rough perfectly-conducting surface. With the stationary-phase method, the results are applied to a two-dimensional sea surface.     

Validity of rough surface backscattering models

Abstract

A study of the regions of validity for rough surface scattering models is conducted for surfaces with Gaussian and power law power spectra. Models included in the study are physical optics (PO), geometrical optics, small perturbation method and small slope approximation. The range of validity of the PO model is commonly described by a bound on the radius curvature of the surface relative to the electromagnetic wavelength. We show empirically that for backscattering the region of accuracy is more accurately described by a bound on surface slope. For surfaces with a Gaussian power spectrum, the PO model is accurate to within 2 dB for RMS surface slope values less than 0.59 cos³θ. For surfaces with a power law power spectral density, the PO model is accurate for significant slope values (RMS surface height/wavelength of the dominant spectral peak) less than 0.037 cos³θ. These conditions are valid up to approximately 30°. The regions of validity of other models in the study are also shown to be well approximated by bounds on surface slope.     

An improved formulation of coherent forward scatter from random rough surfaces

Abstract

The operator expansion method is known to give accurate numerical results for scattering from individual surfaces that are too complicated for other methods. It is less widely appreciated that the method can be applied to random surfaces as well. The simplest application is the modelling of mean forward scatter from a homogeneous Gaussian ensemble of surfaces. To leading order in the admittance operator, the formula for the scalar Dirichlet boundary includes an exponential form in the roughness correlation function. The scalar Neumann boundary adds terms involving the gradients of the exponential form. These factors modestly alter the magnitude and advance the phase of the coherent scatter relative to the conventional one-point (Kirchhoff) approximation when the significant surface correlation scales are comparable to the radiation wavelength. Narrow troughs in the surface undulations ‘repel’ the radiation and effectively elevate and flatten the mean surface. These results are reliable over a wide range of surface amplitudes and correlation scales, provided the slope times Rayleigh height (Dirichlet problem) and slope (Neumann problem) are not large.     

A practical second-order electromagnetic model in the quasi-specular regime based on the curvature of a ‘good-conducting’ scattering surface

Abstract

This letter presents an approximate second-order electromagnetic model where polarization coefficients are surface dependent up to the curvature order in the quasi-specular regime. The scattering surface is considered ‘good-conducting’ as opposed to the case for our previous derivation where perfect conductivity was assumed. The model reproduces dynamically, depending on the properties of the scattering surface, the tangent-plane (Kirchhoff) or the first-order small-perturbation (Bragg) limits. The convergence is assumed to be ensured by the surface curvature alone. This second-order model is shown to be consistent with the small-slope approximation of Voronovich (SSA-1+SSA-2) for perfectly conducting surfaces. Our model differs from SSA-1 + SSA-2 in its dielectric expression, to correct for a full convergence toward the tangent-plane limit under the ‘good-conducting’ approximation. This new second-order formulation is simple because it involves a single integral over the scattering surface and therefore it is suitable for a vast array of analytical and numerical applications in quasi-specular applications.     

Scattering by two-dimensional rough surfaces: comparison between the method of moments, Kirchhoff and small-slope approximations

We use a rigorous numerical code based on the method of moments to test the accuracy and validity domains of two popular first-order approximations, namely the Kirchhoff and the small-slope approximation(SSA), in the case of two-dimensional rough surfaces. The experiment is performed on two representative types of surfaces: surfaces with Gaussian spectrum, which are the paradigm of single-scale surfaces, and ocean-like surfaces, which belong to the family of multi-scale surfaces. The main outcome of these computations in the former case is that the SSA is outperformed by the Kirchhoff approximation(KA) outside the near-perturbative domain and in fact is quite unpredictable in that its accuracy does not depend only on the slope. For ocean-like surfaces, however, SSA behaves surprisingly well and is more accurate than the KA.     

A two-scale model from the point of view of the small-slope approximation

Abstract

General results for the scattering cross section following from the small-slope approximation (SSA) are applied to the case of two-scale surface roughness which can be represented as a superposition of small-scale and large-scale components. The purpose of the paper is to obtain analytically tractable results with obvious physical meaning which can be used for estimates prior to undertaking extensive numerical calculations according to exact unambiguous expressions of the SSA. The general case of vector (electromagnetic) or scalar (sound) waves is considered. The statistics of small-scale roughness is not assumed to be Gaussian (in any sense) or space-homogeneous, and the possible dependence of the statistics of small-scale roughness on a large-scale undulating surface is taken into account. As a result, a modified local spectrum of small-scale components of roughness enters into corresponding expressions for the scattering cross section. It is demonstrated that under appropriate conditions, the resulting formulae for the scattering cross section reduce to the conventional two-scale model.     

Radar scatter cross sections for two-dimensional random rough surfaces – full wave solutions and comparisons with experiments

Abstract

In this paper, the full wave expressions for the radar scattering cross sections for two-dimensional random rough surfaces are obtained. The rough-surface height/slope correlations are accounted for in this analysis. Analytical and numerical comparisons of the full wave solution with the small perturbation and physical optics solutions are made for isotropic, homogeneous random rough surfaces with Gaussian probability density function. The full wave results are also compared with experimental results.     

The SSA+ for scattering from dielectric surfaces at very low grazing angles

Previously we developed a practical model for scattering from randomly-rough surfaces at very low grazing angles for the Dirichlet problem which was found to give good numerical results. In this paper, we derive the expression for the bistatic scattering cross-section for the non-local small slope approximation for dielectric interfaces. We then extend our practical model to dielectric surfaces based on this result. We discuss numerical results for scattering at low forward grazing angles for a Gaussian roughness spectrum with an angle of incidence of 80^○.     

Correlation characteristics of waves in lossy media with smooth fluctuations of the refractive index with oblique incidence on boundary

Abstract

The features of coherence function (and angular spectrum) and also the fluctuation of amplitude and phase of wavefield in a random strongly absorptive medium are investigated in the case of arbitrary angle of incidence at the surface.

In this paper it is elucidated that with oblique incidence a dissipation in the random medium can accelerate the accumulation of wave fluctuations and its incoherence. This effect strongly depends on the rate of decrease of the ‘wings’ of the scattering indicatrix. An analytical theory (Rytov's approximation and modified method of parabolic equation) has been modelled by Monte Carlo simulation of wave propagation, and also by numerical solution of the model transfer equation. It is revealed that the width of an angle spectrum can nonmonotonically change with the immersion to the absorptive medium.     

Gaussian beam scattering from arbitrarily shaped objects with rough surfaces

Abstract

The scattered field of Gaussian beam scattering from arbitrarily shaped dielectric objects with rough surfaces is investigated for optical and infrared frequencies by using the plane wave spectrum method and the Kirchhoff approximation, and the formulae for the coherent and incoherent scattering cross sections are obtained theoretically based on geometrical optics and tangent plane approximations. The infrared laser scattering cross sections of a rough sphere are calculated at 1.06 μm, and the influence of the beam size is analysed numerically. It is shown that when the beam size is much larger than the size of the object, the results in this paper will be close to those of an incident plane wave.     

Electron Spectrum Topology and Giant Singularities of the Electron Density of States in Cubic Lattices

The topology of energy surfaces in reciprocal space is studied in detail for simple cubic (sc), body-centered cubic (bcc), and face-centered cubic (fcc) lattices in the tight-binding approximation, taking into account hopping integrals t and t′ between the nearest and next-nearest neighbor sites, respectively. It is shown that lines and surfaces formed by van Hove k points can arise at values τ = t′/t = τ* corresponding to a change in the surface topology. At a small deviation of τ from these special values, the spectrum near the van Hove line (surface) only slightly depends on k. This corresponds to a giant effective mass proportional to |τ - τ*|⁻¹ near several van Hove points. Singular contributions to the density of states near these special t values are analyzed and explicit expressions are obtained for the density of states in terms of elliptic integrals. It is shown that, in some cases, the maximum density of states is achieved at energies corresponding to k points in high-symmetry directions inside the Brillouin zone rather than at its edges. The corresponding contributions to electronic and magnetic characteristics are discussed, in particular, in application to itinerant weak magnets.