Virtual acoustics in inhomogeneous media with single-sided access

Area of Science:

• Acoustics
• Wave Propagation
• Signal Processing

Background:

• Traditional time-reversal acoustics requires access to the entire medium boundary.
• Single-sided access limits the application of conventional time-reversal techniques for creating virtual sources.
• Inhomogeneous media present challenges due to complex wave scattering and propagation paths.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate an experimental method for creating virtual acoustic sources and receivers in inhomogeneous media with single-sided access.
• To utilize complex focusing functions to overcome limitations of traditional time-reversal methods.
• To mimic complex wave propagation and scattering within the medium using retrieved virtual responses.

Main Methods:

• Experimental design utilizing complex focusing functions.
• Emission of time-reversed responses from the boundary into the medium.
• Retrieval of virtual acoustic responses between virtual sources and receivers.

Main Results:

• Successful creation of virtual acoustic sources and receivers within an inhomogeneous medium.
• Virtual acoustic responses accurately mimicked complex wave propagation and multiple scattering.
• Demonstrated the ability to predict virtual acoustic responses without a detailed medium model.

Conclusions:

• Complex focusing functions enable virtual acoustic source/receiver creation with single-sided access.
• This method accurately reproduces wave behavior in inhomogeneous media.
• Potential applications include holographic imaging and monitoring in fields like medical imaging and geophysics.