Polarization of multiple scattered light in planetary atmospheres from solution of the coupled linear integral equations derived for mixed rayleigh-isotropic scattering

Abstract

A set of coupled integral equations describing nonconservative multiple scattering for a mixed isotropic and Rayleigh single scattering phase function in inhomogeneous, plane-parallel planetary atmospheres is derived. The equations are applicable for the frequency redistributions MRE (monochromatic radiative equilibrium), CFR (complete frequency redistribution), or PFR (partial frequency redistribution). Solution of the equations permits one to calculate the intensity and degree of polarization in an arbitrary direction outside or inside the plane-parallel scattering medium. The equations are readily adaptable to more complicated geometries. Solutions for several cases are presented to demonstrate the versatility and validity of the method. These include a calculation of MRE pure Rayleigh scattering of sunlight in an optically-thick planetary atmosphere to demonstrate agreement with the results of Coulson (1) et al. (1960), calculations of the altitude profile of the degree of polarization of the earth's Ly-α 1216A and helium 584A dayglow, and the center to limb variation of the degree of polarization of the sunlight diffusely reflected from a distant planet such that the scattering is pure Rayleigh and conservative at the top of the planet's atmosphere, varying smoothly to conditions of nonconservative and pure isotropic scattering deep in the planet's atmosphere. Tables of functions that one might utilize (without resort to a digital computer) to obtain solutions in the escape function approximation are also given.