Direct and inverse scattering in the time domain for a dissipative wave equation. II. Simultaneous reconstruction of dissipation and phase velocity profiles

The one-dimensional inverse scattering problem for inhomogeneous lossy media is considered. The model problem involves electromagnetic wave propagation in a medium of unknown thickness with spatially varying conductivity and permittivity. Two inversion algorithms are developed in the time domain using data obtained from normally incident plane waves. These algorithms utilize reflection data from both sides of the medium, and one of them also uses transmission data. These algorithms are implemented numerically on several examples, one of which includes the effects of noisy data. The possibility of using one-sided reflection data and no transmission data is reviewed and analyzed.