Imaging of a fractal pattern with time and frequency domain topological derivative

Abstract

While fractal boundaries and their ability to describe irregularity have been intensively studied, only a few studies are available on wave propagation in a medium where a fractal or quasi fractal pattern is embedded. Acoustical propagation in 1D or 2D domains can be modeled using Time Domain Finite Differences or in Frequency domain with Finite element methods. The fractal object is then considered as a subwavelength set of scatterers, and the problem becomes a multiple scattering one leading to acoustic localization. So, as some important part of the energy remains trapped inside the fractal pattern, imaging such a medium becomes difficult and imaging such complex media with classical tools as B-scan or comparable methods is not sufficient. The resolution of the inverse problem of wave propagation can then be achieved with the help of the more efficient imaging methods related with Time Reversal. Using the concept of topological derivative as defined in Time Domain Topological Energy and Fast Topological Imaging Method, respectively, in Time domain and Frequency domain is powerful in that case. Examples in 1D and 2D will be presented including the image obtained for a sliced sponge.