Linear GPR imaging based on electromagnetic plane-wave spectra and diffraction tomography

Two linear diffraction-tomography based inversion schemes, referred to as the Fourier transform method (FTM) and the far-field method (FFM), are derived for 3-dimensional fixed-offset GPR imaging of buried objects. The FTM and FFM are obtained by using different asymptotic approximations in the forward model. The two inversion schemes include an accurate electromagnetic description of the GPR antennas through their plane-wave transmitting and receiving spectra. The performance of the FTM is investigated through a numerical example involving a 2.5-dimensional configuration in which the GPR antennas are planar equiangular spiral antennas.