Iterative approach of high-order scattering solution for vector radiative transfer of inhomogeneous random media

By stratifying a random scatter media into multiple thin layers in the vertical z direction, the first-order scattering solution of each thin layer is employed to derive high-order scattering solution of whole random media. Using the Fourier transform and Mueller matrices in discrete ordinates, an iterative approach to solve high-order scattering solution of vector radiative transfer (VRT) equation is newly developed. Numerical results are well compared with the Mueller matrix solutions of the first order for a single layer medium, second order for a half-space, and the results of the discrete ordinate and eigen analysis method. It demonstrates our approach as feasible, effective and especially applicable to high-order solution of VRT for both bistatic scattering and thermal emission of inhomogeneous non-spherical scatter media.