Power of the echo signal at grazing angles of location of a randomly irregular surface

The power of an optical signal detected upon nonstationary irradiation of a randomly irregular surface in the case when mutual shading of surface elements is an essential factor is investigated. An expression for an average (over an ensemble of irregular surfaces) power detected in location of a surface with a Gaussian distribution of heights and inclinations by a {delta}-pulse under conditions of strong shadings is derived. Shading is shown to produce a substantial distortion of the shape of the echo signal. 6 refs., 1 fig.