Scattering from rough surfaces

This effect has been observed in classical systems, such as microparticle scattering,[1] as well as quantum systems, where it arises electronic devices, such as field effect transistors and quantum cascade lasers.

[2] In the classical mechanics framework, a rough surface, such as a machined metal surface, randomizes the probability distribution function governing the incoming particles, leading to net momentum loss of the particle flux.

[3] In the quantum mechanical framework, this scattering is most noticeable in confined systems, in which the energies for charge carriers are determined by the locations of interfaces.

However, a theory for homogeneous spheres will completely fail to predict polarization effects.

Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) operates under the assumption that the sample is randomly arranged such that each plane will be represented in the signal.