Virtual Experiments via LSM for Quantitative 2-D Inverse Scattering: Challenges and Opportunities

In this article, we investigate the virtual experiments (VE) setting by means of analytical solution of the far-field equation, that is the equation underlying the linear sampling method. In particular, an analytical expression for the internal field is derived in case of penetrable circular cylinders, which provides a straightforward and more comprehensive overview of the VE settings with particular hints on its reliability and validity range when applied for quantitative imaging. Numerical examples are reported to show the analytic findings, also in case of noncircular targets. The reported analysis can open the way to new possibilities in VE design for electromagnetic inverse scattering, microwave imaging, and related focusing problems.