On uniqueness in the general inverse transmisson problem

Abstract

In this paper we demonstrate uniqueness of a transparent obstacle, of coefficients of rather general boundary transmission condition, and of a potential coefficient inside obstacle from partial Dirichlet-to Neumann map or from complete scattering data at fixed frequency. The proposed transmission problem includes in particular the isotropic elliptic equation with discontinuous conductivity coefficient. Uniqueness results are shown to be optimal. Hence the considered form can be viewed as a canonical form of isotropic elliptic transmission problems. Proofs use singular solutions of elliptic equations and complex geometrical optics. Determining an obstacle and boundary conditions (i.e. reflecting and transmitting properties of its boundary and interior) is of interest for acoustical and electromagnetic inverse scattering, for modeling fluid/structure interaction, and for defects detection.