LEAFMOD: A new within-leaf radiative transfer model

We describe the construction and verification of a within-leaf radiative transfer model called LEAFMOD (Leaf Experimental Absorptivity Feasibility MODel). In the model, the one-dimensional radiative transfer equation in a slab of leaf material with homogeneous optical properties is solved. When run in the forward mode, LEAFMOD generates an estimate of leaf reflectance and transmittance given the leaf thickness and optical characteristics of the leaf material (i.e., the absorption and scattering coefficients). In the inverse mode, LEAFMOD computes the total within-leaf absorption and scattering coefficient profiles from measured reflectance, transmittance, and leaf thickness. Inversions with simulated data demonstrate that the model appropriately decouples scattering and absorption within the leaf, producing fresh leaf absorption profiles with peaks at locations corresponding to the major absorption features for water and chlorophyll. Experiments with empirical input data demonstrate that the amplitude of the fresh leaf absorption coefficient profile in the visible wavebands is correlated with pigment concentrations as determined by wet chemical analyses, and that absorption features in the near-infrared wavebands related to various other biochemical constituents can be identified in a dry-leaf absorption profile.