The behavior of a surface in the presence of light is represented by a reflectance model shader that defines how much light is reflected by the surface towards the viewer. Thus, this result depends upon both the material properties of the surface and the lighting environment that illuminates the surface.
Unlike the color source shaders that specify the pure color of a surface and are therefore independent of any light sources, reflectance model shaders must account for each light source in calculating their results. Shaders of this type may be thought of as defining a surface's "finish" and are used to model reflectance properties such as matte, metal and plastic.
We provide herewith names and descriptions of reflectance shaders:
"chrome 2D"
A chrome-like reflectance using a two-dimensional chrome map.
"conductor"
Physically accurate metallic simulation using ray tracing, supporting reflection.
"constant"
Constant reflectance.
"dielectric"
Physically accurate glass-like simulation using ray tracing, supporting reflection and refraction.
"environment"
Environment mapped reflectance.
"glass"
Approximation of glass-like materials using ray tracing, supporting reflection and refraction.
"mirror"
Approximation of mirror reflecting materials using ray tracing, supporting reflection.
"matte"
Dull matte-like reflectance.
"metal"
Shiny metallic reflectance.
"mirror"
Approximation of mirror reflecting materials using ray tracing, supporting reflection.
"phong"
Phong-style reflectance.
"plastic"
Glossy plastic-like reflectance.
"translucency"
Simulates a non-reflective translucent surface lit from behind.
"translucent plastic"
Glossy plastic-like reflectance with translucency.
"wrapped anisotropic"
Approximation of surface with parallel scratches or micro-ridges (e.g., brushed metal).
"wrapped circular anisotropic"
Approximation of surface with areas of concentric rings of scratches or micro-ridges repeated over the surface (e.g., like circularly polished metal).
"wrapped mirror map"
Approximation of mirror reflecting materials using ray tracing, supporting reflection with degree of reflectance determined by red component of an image map.