An Introduction to Radiative Transfer : Methods and Applications in Astrophysics

Astrophysicists have developed several very different methodologies for solving the radiative transfer equation. An Introduction to Radiative Transfer presents these techniques as applied to stellar atmospheres, planetary nebulae, supernovae, and other objects with similar geometrical and physical conditions. Accurate methods, fast methods, probabilistic methods and approximate methods are all explained, including the latest and most advanced techniques. The book includes the different techniques used for computing line profiles, polarization due to resonance line scattering, polarization in magnetic media and similar phenomena. Exercises at the end of each chapter enable these methods to be put into practice, and enhance understanding of the subject. This 2001 book will be valuable to graduates, postgraduates and researchers in astrophysics.