Modeling of wave propagation in inhomogeneous media

Phys Rev Lett. 2005 Apr 29;94(16):164301. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.94.164301. Epub 2005 Apr 27.

Abstract

We present a methodology providing a new perspective on modeling and inversion of wave propagation satisfying time-reversal invariance and reciprocity in generally inhomogeneous media. The approach relies on a representation theorem of the wave equation to express the Green function between points in the interior as an integral over the response in those points due to sources on a surface surrounding the medium. Following a predictable initial computational effort, Green's functions between arbitrary points in the medium can be computed as needed using a simple cross-correlation algorithm.