Application of Wiener–Hopf technique to linear nonhomogeneous integral equations for a new representation of Chandrasekhar’s H-function in radiative transfer, its existence and uniqueness

In this paper, the linear nonhomogeneous integral equation of H-functions is considered to find a new form of H-function as its solution. The Wiener–Hopf technique is used to express a known function into two functions with different zones of analyticity. The linear nonhomogeneous integral equation is thereafter expressed into two different sets of functions having the different zones of regularity. The modified form of Liouville’s theorem is thereafter used, Cauchy’s integral formulae are used to determine functional representation over the cut region in a complex plane. The new form of H-function is derived both for conservative and nonconservative cases. The existence of solution of linear nonhomogeneous integral equations and its uniqueness are shown. For numerical calculation of this new H-function, a set of useful formulae are derived both for conservative and nonconservative cases. © 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.