Optical-Theorem-Based Coherent Scatterer Detection in Complex Environments

A new approach is proposed to detect scatterers embedded in reciprocal media from scattering data. The new method is rooted on physicalconsiderations, in particular, on the optical theorem applicable to wavefields (e.g., acoustic, electromagnetic, and optical). The approach exploitsinsight gained from the optical theorem which assigns physical energy interpretations to the wave data from time reversal mirrors and cavitiesfrom which one can deduce the presence of unknown scatterers in unknown background media. The proposed approach is ideally suited fortarget detection in complex, highly reverberating unknown environmentssuch as indoor facilities, caves, tunnels, and urban canyon