Cloud tomographic retrieval algorithms. I: Surrogate minimization method

A cloud tomographic retrieval algorithm relying on (i) the spherical harmonics discrete ordinate method for computing the radiative transfer and (ii) the surrogate minimization method for solving the inverse problem has been designed. The retrieval algorithm uses regularization, accelerated projected gradient methods, and two types of surrogate functions. The performances of the retrieval algorithm are analyzed on a few synthetic two- and three-dimensional problems