Radiation trapping in 1D using the Markov chain formalism: A computational physics project

TL;DR

This paper presents a computational physics model for radiation trapping in one-dimensional media, analyzing how spectral distributions, opacity, and emission yield affect various physical quantities using the Markov chain formalism.

Contribution

It introduces a detailed computational model for radiation trapping using the Markov chain approach, applicable to different spectral lineshapes and excitation modes.

Findings

Reemission yield varies with opacity and emission quantum yield.

Steady state spectra depend on spectral distribution and external excitation.

Model provides insights for educational purposes in computational physics.

Abstract

A computational model study for complete frequency redistribution linear incoherent two-level atomic radiation trapping in optically dense media using the multiple scattering representation is presented. This model study discuss at length the influence of the spectral distributions, overall opacity and emission quantum yield to trapping distorted ensemble quantities stressing physical insight and with a non-specialist audience in mind. Macroscopic reemission yield, lifetime, steady state spectra and spatial distributions are calculated as a function of intrinsic emission yield, opacity and external excitation mode for Doppler, Lorentz and Voigt lineshapes. The work could constitute the basis for a final undergraduate or beginning graduate project in computational physics instruction and implements the analytical developments of the previous instalment of this contribution.