Probe pulse shape estimation in synthetic aperture method

The synthetic aperture method (SAM) application to subsurface scanning data is discussed in the paper. SAM is known to be one of the most powerful techniques of electromagnetic sounding data processing. The advantages of SAM include the universality of its algorithm and the high resolution capability that it can produce. Images of non-dissipative and low-absorbing media can be efficiently treated with this technique. The applicability of SAM to the processing of data collected from media having non-negligible conductivity is rather limited. It is necessary to note, that such a conductivity is relevant in all moist soils. Thus, SAM needs a modification that will permit to take into account a distortion of the sounding impulse in a conducting medium. A modification of SAM that enables one to take into account the shape of the radiated impulse at a given depth is discussed. Also, two methods of estimation of this shape are proposed: 1. Rough estimation of the transfer function of the medium using its material parameters; 2. Shape pulse estimation using the FDTD technique.