Analytical solution of the radiative transfer equation for polarized light
Abstract
Description
A new formalism is introduced for the transfer of polarized radiation. Stokes parameters are shown to be four-vectors in a Minkowski-like space and, most strikingly, the radiative transfer equation (RTE) turns out to be an infinitesimal transformation under the Poincare (plus dilatations) group. A solution to the transfer equation as a finite element of this group is proposed.
Accepted for publication in A&A Main Journal. 12 pages, 1 figure
Accepted for publication in A&A Main Journal. 12 pages, 1 figure