Monte Carlo method for radiative transfer

Summary

The Monte Carlo method for radiative transfer estimates radiative quantities by simulating the random histories of many bundles of photons. Each bundle is emitted, travels a random distance, and is then absorbed or scattered according to the probabilities that the radiative transfer equation encodes. Averages over the histories estimate heat fluxes, absorbed powers and intensities, with a statistical error that decreases like $N^{-1/2}$ in the number $N$ of bundles. It is a Monte Carlo method that handles complicated geometry, scattering and spectral properties in radiative heat transfer in participating media with little extra effort. See the definition.