Material scattering

Material scattering of an electromagnetic wave is scattering that is attributable to the intrinsic properties of the material through which the wave is propagating. Ionospheric scattering and Rayleigh scattering are examples of material scattering. In an optical fiber, material scattering is caused by micro-inhomogeneities in the refractive indices of the materials used to fabricate the fiber, including the dopants used to modify the refractive index profile.

 This article incorporates public domain material from the General Services Administration document "Federal Standard 1037C".