The Distribution of Photon Optical Paths in a Scattering Atmosphere

Abstract

The investigation of absorption lines and bands in a scattering and absorbing medium may be elucidated by study of the distribution of photon optical paths (X) in a conservative atmosphere with the same scattering properties as the medium of interest. Equations defining ( ) are derived. Methods of solution are discussed, and the case of reflection from a semi-infinite layer is explicitly described.