An approach of three-dimensional vector radiative transfer (3-D-VRT) equation for inhomogeneous scatter media

To solve a three-dimensional vector radiative transfer (3-D-VRT) equation for the model of spatially inhomogeneous scatter media, the finite enclosure of the scatter media is geometrically divided, in both the vertical z and horizontal (x,y) directions, to form very thin multiboxes. The zeroth-order emission, first-order Mueller matrix of each thin box, and an iterative approach of high-order radiative transfer are applied to deriving high-order scattering and emission of whole inhomogeneous scatter media. Numerical results of polarized brightness temperature at microwave frequency from an inhomogeneous scatter model such as vegetation canopy are calculated and discussed.