backscatter

 
Pronunciation: /ˈbakskatə/

noun

[mass noun] Physics
  • deflection of radiation or particles through an angle of 180°.
  • radiation or particles that have been deflected in this way.
  • Photography light from a flashgun or other light source that is deflected directly into a lens: backscatter causes an underexposed picture with a blizzard effect

verb

[with object] Physics
  • deflect (radiation or particles) through an angle of 180°: the temperature of an optical fibre subtly affects how much light is backscattered (as adjective backscattered) backscattered sound reaches the sonar receiver