Source Functions for an Isotropically Scattering Atmosphere Bounded by a Specular Reflector

摘要

The paper presents a method for reducing the calculation of the source function for a specular reflector to the solution of a set of ordinary differential equations with known initial conditions. The basic Fredholm integral equation that these source functions satisfy is transformed into a Cauchy system with known initial conditions. To deal numerically with the differential-integral equations, the integrals appearing are approximated by finite sums. Some typical computational results are displayed for the case of a perfect specular reflector at the bottom. These are contrasted with earlier results for an atmosphere having a perfect absorber at the bottom. The accuracy of the numerical results has been considered in detail.