Linear Transport Theory and Applications to Rendering

Abstract

In this talk, I will give an overview of one-dimensional Linear Transport Theory, which concerns itself with the study of random scattering and absorption processes and the inference of large-scale behavior from simple local scattering models. Research over the last 75 years has led to a rich toolbox of solution techniques for these types of problems, including Monte Carlo, Diffusion Theory, H-functions, Discrete Ordinates, and the Adding-Doubling method. I will give an intuitive overview of each of these techniques and discuss advantages and disadvantages. Following this, I will discuss how this problem is relevant to rendering, where it leads to a flexible and efficient method for rendering general layered materials.