Analytical solution for first-order scattering in bistatic radiative transfer interaction problems of layered media

An approximate solution to the radiative transfer equation for bistatic scattering from a rough surface covered by a tenuous distribution of particulate (scattering and absorbing) media is derived by means of a series expansion in the scattering coefficient kappa(s) of the covering layer up to the first order. The formulation of the successive orders of a scattering series is reviewed, and an analytic solution to the first-order interaction contribution is given by means of a series expansion of the azimuthally averaged product of the bidirectional reflectance distribution function of the surface and the scattering phase function of the covering layer. (C) 2016 Optical Society of America