Prof. Dr. Piero Ravetto (Politecnico di Torino): Linear transport theory: some scientific contributions by Ivan Kuščer

Professor Ivan Kuščer was one of the most relevant and well-known personalities within the international community of neutron transport scientists in the latest decades of the last century, up to his death in 2000. His work led to some important achievements that are still regarded as established landmarks in linear transport theory. The seminar is devoted to illustrate some of the most significant contributions given by Prof. Kuščer in this field. As an introduction, Case's theory of singular eigenfunctions used for the analytical solution of the linear transport equation that is the basis for the description of the neutron motion in material media is briefly presented, highlighting its physical implications and interpretations. Afterwards, the generalized theory of orthogonality is shown, and the important aspects of the original partial-range orthogonality are discussed. Throughout the seminar, various aspects of Prof. Kuščer's scientific personality are addressed.