Classical and Modified Diffusion Theory for Subsurface Scattering

Ralf Habel, Per H. Christensen, and Wojciech Jarosz

Abstract: This technical report provides a discussion and comparison of classical and improved diffusion theory as used for rendering subsurface scattering in computer graphics. We discuss the searchlight problem and describe the diffusion equation and Green's functions of each diffusion theory. We discuss the commonly used single-depth approximation leading to the diffusion dipole and elaborate on its connection to the desired extended-source function.

Published in: Technical report. Disney Research Zurich and Pixar, June 2013.

One-line summary: Theoretical background for diffusion theory as used in subsurface scattering.

Download tech report here: supplemental-theory.pdf.


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