Direct solution of the radiative transfer equation for plane-parallel atmospheres

A method is described for solving the monochromatic radiative transfer equation for the case of inhomogeneous, plane-parallel scattering and absorbing atmospheres illuminated by external as well as internal sources. The solution procedure, which is based on a series expansion of the radiation intensity with respect to the angular and spatial coordinates, is analytical in nature and can thus be implemented on small computing facilites. Test calculations were performed for isotropic and Rayleigh scattering atmospheres of various optical thicknesses and single scattering albedos. The results coincide well with data from other methods given in the literature.