Monte Carlo radiative transfer

Project Description:

Radiative transfer is a fundamental process in the astronomical environment, critical for the proper interpretation of observational results in numerous instances. The complexity of radiative transfer is particularly pronounced in atomic and molecular line transfer, where the coupling between level populations and the local radiation field presents challenges. Methods such as the escape probability method and assumption of large velocity gradients have been devised to mitigate this coupling. While these methods have proven successful in many cases, more realistic calculations are often necessary. The objective of this project is to initiate the development of a Monte Carlo calculation for radiative transfer, eliminating the need to decouple level populations from the radiation field.

Research Area:

Astronomy

Project Level:

Honours

This Project Is Offered At The Following Node(s):

(NWU)

Special Requirements:

Some experience and/or interest in scientific modelling