A Fast Two-Stream-Like Multiple-Scattering Method for Atmospheric Characterization and Radiative Transfer

Multiple-scattering effects can significantly impact radiative transfer calculations for remote sensing and directed-energy applications. This study describes the development and implementation of a fast-calculating two-stream-like multiple-scattering algorithm that captures azimuthal and elevation variations into the Air Force Institute of Technology Center for Directed Energy’s Laser Environmental Effects Definition and Reference (LEEDR) atmospheric characterization and radiative transfer code. LEEDR is a fast-calculating, first-principles, worldwide surface-to-100-km, atmospheric characterization package for the creation of vertical profiles of temperature, pressure, water vapor content, optical turbulence, atmospheric particulates, and hydrometeors as they relate to line-by-line layer transmission and radiance from the ultraviolet to radio frequencies. The newly implemented multiple-scattering algorithm fully solves for molecular, aerosol, cloud, and precipitation single-scatter layer effects with a Mie algorithm at every atmospheric layer. A unique set of asymmetry and backscattering phase-function parameter calculations accounts for radiance loss due to the molecular and aerosol constituent reflectivity within a layer and accurately characterize diffuse layers that contribute to multiple-scattered radiances in inhomogeneous atmospheres. LEEDR is valid for spectral bands between 200-nm and radio wavelengths. Accuracy is demonstrated by comparing LEEDR results with published sky radiance observations and experimental data. Determining accurate aerosol loading via an iterative visibility/particle-count calculation method is ultimately essential to achieve agreement between observations and model results for realistic atmospheres.