NoteYou can render Caustics only with the mental
ray for Maya renderer.
Caustics are light effects that caused by specularly
(as opposed to diffusely) reflected or refracted light.
Refracted
caustics happen when specularly transmitted light bends through
a transparent or semi-transparent object or volume onto a diffuse surface.
Reflected
caustics happen when specularly reflected light bends through a
transparent or semi-transparent object or volume onto a diffuse
surface.
NoteIn the natural world, caustics are actually
a form of global illumination, but they are treated separately by
mental ray for Maya, making it easier for you to control them.
