Asymptotic properties of radiation fields in semiinfinite atmospheres

Abstract

The asymptotic results obtained above admit generalizations. First, one can take into account polarization. For an isotropic medium with arbitrary S matrix, allowance for polarization in the framework of the asymptotic theory developed here reduces in fact to simple replacements of the scalar by vector relations. Second, at least some of the results must remain true for a large class of inhomogeneous media. This is because angular relaxation also occurs in inhomogeneous media, and there must be asymptotic separation of the variables.