Abstract

Radiative transfer in scattering media with spatially varying refractive indices, such as plasma with density fluctuations, is considered. It has been shown that singularities of diffuse radiation intensity can appear in the scattered field if the gradient of the refractive index is strong enough. To do that, we solve the scalar radiative transfer equation approximately and then analyze the solution qualitatively. Examples of the analytic singular solutions of the scalar radiative transfer equation in flat layered and spherically symmetric media, typically occurring in remote sensing applications, are provided. Conditions of formation of these singularities are discussed. Monte Carlo simulation results exhibiting singularities are compared with the derived analytical solutions.

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