Albedo operators and H-equations for generalized kinetic models

Abstract

For abstract kinetic equations on a half-line the albedo operator which gives the initial value as a function of the half-range boundary data, is written in terms of operator-valued generalizations of Chandrasekhar's H-functions, for which coupled non-linear equations are derived. Applications are given to transfer of polarized light, neutron transport and strong evaporation of liquids.