Filtering Random Layering Effects in Imaging

Objects that are buried deep in heterogeneous media produce faint echoes which are difficult to distinguish from the backscattered field. Sensor array imaging in such media cannot work unless we filter out the backscattered echoes and enhance the coherent arrivals that carry information about the objects that we wish to image. We study such filters for imaging in strongly backscattering, finely layered media. The fine layering is unknown and we model it with random processes. The filters use ideas from common seismic imaging techniques, such as normal move-out and semblance velocity estimation. These methods are based on the single scattering approximation, so it is surprising that the filters can annihilate the incoherent echoes produced by random media. The goal of the paper is to study theoretically and numerically this phenomenon. Key words. array imaging, randomly layered media, filtering, velocity estimation.

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2010
• Where: MMAS
• Authors: Liliana Borcea, F. González del Cueto, George Papanicolaou, Chrysoula Tsogka
• Keywords: Common Seismic Imaging, Intelligent Agents, MMAS 2010, Semblance Velocity Estimation, Velocity Estimation