Beam spread functions calculated using Feynman path integrals

•Methodology is introduced for calculating radiative transfer using path integrals.•Calculated beam spread functions are differently-shaped from experimental ones.•Extrapolation of a numerical parameter shows diminishing returns for the shape of the BSF.

A method of solving the radiative transfer equation using Feynman path integrals (FPIs) is discussed. The FPI approach is a mathematical framework for computing multiple scattering in participating media. Its numerical behavior is not well known, and techniques are being developed to solve the FPI approach numerically. A missing numerical technique is detailed and used to calculate beam spread functions (BSFs), a commonly studied experimental property of many types of media. The calculations are compared against measured BSFs of sea ice. Analysis shows differently-shaped BSFs, and suggests the width parameter of the calculated BSF's Gaussian fit approaches a value in the limit of the number of path segments. A projection is attempted, but suggests a larger number of path segments would not increase the width of the calculated BSF. The trial suggests the approach is numerically stable, but requires further testing to ensure scientific accuracy.