Basic Concepts

We introduce basic concepts for the modeling of radiative transfer using the invariant imbedding approach. We show, for a one-dimensional reflection problem, how an initial value problem is formulated. We obtain a differential equation with the independent variable being the thickness, and an initial condition, for thickness zero. We describe the numerical procedure for integrating this equation. Tables of reflection functions are presented. Cauchy-initial value-problems for source and internal intensity functions are also treated. This chapter serves as an introduction to the more advanced concepts in Appendix A, as well as the remaining chapters of this book.