Eigenmode-based method to determine the complex permittivities of layered soil via a borehole ground penetrating radar

Abstract

Borehole ground penetrating radar systems probe at varying depths below the surface to determine soil properties and search for anomalies. Current detection approaches use time of flight estimations or tomography to determine the properties of the soil. These methods use the inaccurate assumption that the signal propagates in a straight direct path from transmitter to receiver in layered soil media. We propose a novel eigenmode method, similar to dielectric waveguide analysis, to estimate soil layer boundaries, permittivity, and conductivity, taking into account the true propagation of waves in layered medium.