A laboratory-aided empirically driven polarimetric bidirectional reflectance distribution function model

Abstract

Our group previously presented an empirical approach for measuring the polarimetric bidirectional reflectance distribution function (pBRDF) using a visible linear imaging polarimeter from 3D painted geometric objects with well-characterized surface facets. The initial results obtained from this approach were validated against physics-based models and demonstrated good agreement with data collected under outdoor, full-sun conditions. In this work, we conduct similar measurements on the same faceted objects in a laboratory environment. The Applied Sensing Lab at the University of Dayton has constructed a solar simulation laboratory that allows for highly accurate and repeatable positioning of light sources, sensors, and objects. The laboratory contains both collimated (direct sun) and diffuse (downwelling) light sources that we have spectrally tuned to match expected solar irradiance under a range of outdoor conditions.