We consider the Helmholtz equation in the half space and suggest two methods for determining the boundary impedance from knowledge of the far field pattern of the time-harmonic incident wave. We introduce a potential for which the far field patterns in specially selected directions represent its Fourier coefficients. The boundary impedance is then calculated from the potential by an explicit formula or from the WKB approximation. Numerical examples are given to demonstrate the efficiency of our approaches. We also discuss the validity of the WKB approximation in determining the impedance of an obstacle. Key words. inverse scattering problem, boundary impedance AMS subject classifications. 35P25, 35R30, 78A45 DOI. 10.1137/09075442X
Yuri A. Godin, Boris Vainberg