Light Scattering in Inhomogeneous Atmospheres

This monograph gives a systematic presentation of the theory of light scattering in homogeneous, multilayered, and inhomogeneous atmospheres. Simple asymptotical formulas, numerical algorithms, example solutions of astrophysical and geophysical problems, and the theory of weak line formation in multiple scattering are given.

Inhalt

1. Basic Concepts, Equations and Problems.- 1.1 Intensity of Radiation.- 1.2 Interaction of Radiation with Matter.- 1.3 Radiative Transfer Equation.- 1.4 Radiative Transfer Equation in a Stratified Medium.- 1.5 The Parallel External Flux Problem.- 1.6 The Milne Problem.- 1.7 The Problem for Two-Sided Infinity.- 1.8 Radiation Flux.- 1.9 Characteristics of Radiation at the Boundaries of an Atmosphere. The Problem of Diffuse Reflection and Diffuse Transmission of Light.- 1.10 The Flux Integral and K Integral.- 1.11 Green Function and Reciprocity Relations.- 1.12 Invariance Principles.- I. Homogeneous Atmosphere.- 2. Radiation Field in an Infinite Atmosphere.- 3. Semi-Infinite Medium.- 4. Atmosphere of Finite Optical Thickness.- 5. Atmosphere Above a Reflecting Surface.- II. Multilayer Atmosphere.- 6. Parallel External Flux Problem and the Milne Problem.- 7. Light Scattering in Two Adjacent Half-Spaces.- 8. Atmosphere Consisting of Layers with Large Optical Thickness.- III. Atmosphere with Continuously Varying Parameters.- 9. Diffuse Reflection and Transmission of Light by Atmospheres.- 10. Basic Equations Defining the Radiation Field in a Vertically Inhomogeneous Layer.- 11. Invariance Relations and Their Corollaries for a Semi-Infinite Atmosphere.- 12. Asymptotic Properties of Radiation Fields in Inhomogeneous Atmospheres.- 13. Atmospheres with Exponentially Varying Characteristics.- 14. Astrophysical, Geophysical, and Other Possible Applications of the Theory.- Appendix. Tables of Some Functions and Constants..- References.