Non-gaussian Light Scattering by a Ruffled Water Surface

Measurements of the statistical properties of laser light scattered by an air-blown water surface as a function of illuminated area are reported. The experimental data are compared with new theoretical results and quantitative agreement is found with the predictions of a model which assumes that the random phase variation of the light leaving the water surface is a stationary gaussian process with gaussian autocorrelation function. This model also accounts for certain observations noted by other authors in connection with scattering of light by rigid diffusers.