---
title: "A Zero-Variance-Based Sampling Scheme for Monte Carlo Subsurface Scattering"
authors: ["Jaroslav Křivánek", "Eugene d'Eon"]
year: 2014
venue: "SIGGRAPH Talks"
arxiv: null
doi: "10.1145/2614106.2614140"
source: "https://cgg.mff.cuni.cz/~jaroslav/papers/2014-zerovar/"
topics: [subsurface-scattering]
seed_rank: 1308
seed_batch: "sss-translucent-2026-08-25"
reviewed: "2026-08-25"
pool: "graphics"
relevance_score: 8
lineage: subsurface-scattering
cites:
  - title: "The Rendering Equation"
    url: "https://doi.org/10.1145/15922.15902"
    year: 1986
    arxiv: null
    doi: "10.1145/15922.15902"
  - title: "A Quantized-Diffusion Model for Rendering Translucent Materials"
    url: "https://doi.org/10.1145/1964921.1964951"
    year: 2011
    arxiv: null
    doi: "10.1145/1964921.1964951"
see:
  - "152-the-rendering-equation"
  - "1253-a-quantized-diffusion-model-for-rendering-translucent-materials"
---

# A Zero-Variance-Based Sampling Scheme for Monte Carlo Subsurface Scattering

## One-sentence takeaway

Zero-variance random walks for SSS.

## Problem

Predecessor chain MC SSS variance → Krivanek/dEon. This paper's job: Zero-variance random walks for SSS.

## Design

Zero-variance random walks for SSS. Lineage: MC SSS variance → Krivanek/dEon.

## Evidence

SIGGRAPH Talks 2014. DOI `10.1145/2614106.2614140`. Zero-variance random walks for SSS.

## Limitations

Talk or course notes, not a full TOG derivation. Use the PDF/DOI in Links; do not invent a journal version.

## Implications for Broadside

Anoptic has a forward+ mesh renderer and is betting on FMM+RC 3D GI. Skin is the first character-appearance hole: translucent dermis, not another BRDF lobe. Do not claim Anoptic already has SSS.

## Bottom line

Mint this 2014 SIGGRAPH Talks paper. Zero-variance random walks for SSS.

## Links

- DOI: [10.1145/2614106.2614140](https://doi.org/10.1145/2614106.2614140)
- Source: https://cgg.mff.cuni.cz/~jaroslav/papers/2014-zerovar/