Optimization of an array based pulse-echo system for identification of reflector geometry

This paper investigates, through numerical modeling, the extent to which the energy of the received signal from an array-based pulse-echo system can be maximized for a specified reflector geometry, location and orientation. This is done by the use of an optimized transmitted acoustic field and receiver characteristics. The transmit/receive behavior is implemented through the delay values applied to the individual transducer elements. The paper describes the modeling, and optimization steps required for this effort. For three simple, yet distinct, reflector types, the paper shows that the method can be used to identify which one of the three reflectors is actually present.