A General Formulation of the Transfer Equation. II. Line Formation with General Redistribution

Abstract

The multidimensional equation of transfer for spectral line radiation under a general redistribution law is studied. It is shown that the equation may be rewritten as a system of equations of the "Feautrier" form, which are known to be exceedingly stable and efficient under numerical reduction. It is also shown that the inclusion of a multidimensional differential macroscopic velocity field does not alter the functional form of the equations obtained and therefore may also be treated by the general Feautrier technique.