Comparison of the Gauss–Seidel spherical polarized radiative transfer code with other radiative transfer codes

Abstract

Calculations that use the Gauss–Seidel method are presented of the diffusely scattered light in a spherical atmosphere with polarization fully included. Comparisons are made between this method and the Monte Carlo calculations of other researchers for spherical geometry in a pure Rayleigh atmosphere. Comparisons with plane–parallel atmospheres are also presented. Single-scatter intensity comparisons with spherical geometry show excellent agreement. When all orders of scattering are included, comparisons of polarization parameters I, Q and U as well as the plane of polarization show good agreement when allowances are made for the statistical variability inherent in the Monte Carlo method.