Calculation of the light intensity distribution reflected by a planar corner-cube retroreflector array with the size of centimeter and above

The light intensity distribution (LID) reflected by a planar corner-cube retroreflector array with the size of centimeter and above (PCCRA) is calculated based on the Collins formula, coordinate transformation matrixes and vector algebra. The expression can be used for the PCCRAs with different parameters and different complex optical systems described by ABCD matrix. The expression indicates that the LID of a PCCRA is much different from a single corner-cube retroreflector (CCR) with equivalent aperture. Computer simulations are applied to explain the expression clearly. The results show that the LID of the PCCRA is more homogeneous than the single CCR with equivalent aperture under circumstances of both normal incident light and oblique incident light. In addition, the expression is proved by comparing the simulation result of the PCCRA only comprising a single CCR and the previous experimental result.