Reflektionsspektren

Reflektionsspektren, also known as reflection spectra, are plots that show how much light a material reflects at different wavelengths. This is a fundamental concept in spectroscopy and is used across many scientific disciplines. When light interacts with a surface, some of it is absorbed, some is transmitted, and some is reflected. The reflection spectrum specifically quantifies the proportion of incident light that is scattered back from the surface as a function of wavelength.

The shape and features of a reflection spectrum are unique to the material and its properties. For instance, a highly reflective material in the visible range will appear white or metallic, and its spectrum will show high reflectance across most visible wavelengths. Conversely, a material that strongly absorbs certain wavelengths will exhibit low reflectance in those regions, leading to its perceived color. Darker objects absorb more visible light, thus having lower overall reflectance.

Reflection spectroscopy finds applications in remote sensing, where it helps identify the composition of planets and other celestial bodies by analyzing the light reflected from their surfaces. In material science, it is used to characterize the optical properties of new materials, assess surface coatings, and detect impurities. In archaeology and art conservation, it can help identify pigments and understand the historical treatments of artifacts without causing damage. Analyzing reflection spectra allows scientists to gain insights into the chemical composition, physical structure, and surface condition of a wide array of substances.