A solution of the Raleigh scattering problem for plane-parallel atmospheres of large optical thickness

The problem of radiative transfer in a plane-parallel, perfectly scattering atmosphere was described. Chandrasekhar's solution, applicable to atmospheres of small and moderate optical thicknesses, is outlined; this solution reduces the problem to that of determining the X-, Y-, K- and L- functions, the scattering functions. Mullikin's method, applicable to atmospheres of large optical thicknesses, was used to calculate the emergent radiation from plane-parallel Rayleigh-scattering atmospheres. The numerical results are given as tables of scattering functions. The numerical method for determining the intensity and polarization of the radiation emerging from the top and bottom of the atmospheres is given. A few examples of representative calculations are also presented.