Polarized line scattering theory with applications in astrophysical radiative transfer: a historical perspective

Abstract

Ivan Hubený did fundamental work in the theory of partial frequency redistribution (PFR) and radiative transfer (RT). One of the most elegant works is the “theory of generalized redistribution functions (GRFs)†for multi-level atoms (Hubený, Oxenius, Simonneau: HOS theory). This ground breaking work is the high point of his contribution to this field. The magnum opus “Theory of Stellar Atmospheres: An introduction to astrophysical non-equilibrium quantitative spectroscopic analysis†by Hubený & Mihalas (2014) is one of the greatest creations in Astrophysics. It remains evergreen as a standard source book for a long time. The powerful codes TLUSTY and SYNSPEC that Ivan Hubený developed with his colleagues and made available to the community, decades ago, has already opened up new paths, and has perfected the way spectroscopic analysis of astronomical spectra is done, in several fields, and will continue to inspire generations to come.