Experimental measurement of the acoustic sensitivity kernel

Area of Science:

• Acoustics and Wave Propagation
• Scattering Theory
• Ultrasonic Imaging

Background:

• Acoustic scattering from objects comparable in size to the wavelength is complex.
• The sensitivity kernel approach relates pressure fluctuations to medium changes.
• Understanding this kernel is crucial for accurate acoustic imaging and inverse problems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the spatial structure of the sensitivity kernel for acoustic scattering.
• To compare experimental observations with an analytical model.
• To analyze the sensitivity kernel pattern considering direct and surface-reflected wave fields.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing the Born approximation for acoustic scattering analysis.
• Employing the sensitivity kernel approach.
• Conducting experimental observations in a water tank at the ultrasonic scale.
• Developing and comparing with an analytical model.

Main Results:

• The spatial structure of the sensitivity kernel was experimentally observed and analyzed.
• Experimental results were compared to predictions from an analytical model.
• The pattern of the sensitivity kernel was discussed for wave fields with direct and surface-reflected paths.

Conclusions:

• The sensitivity kernel approach provides a framework for evaluating acoustic scattering from spherical obstacles.
• Experimental validation supports the analytical model of the sensitivity kernel.
• The study elucidates the spatial characteristics of the sensitivity kernel in realistic acoustic scenarios.