Domain derivative and shape reconstruction for an inverse backscattering problem for the wave equation

We consider an inverse backscattering problem for time-dependent acoustic waves with a compactly supported penetrable scattering obstacle in unbounded three-dimensional free space. Assuming that dynamic backscattering far field data of scattered waves corresponding to a few time-dependent incident plane waves are available, the goal is to reconstruct the shape of the scattering obstacle. We establish Fréchet differentiability of the time-dependent far field pattern with respect to the shape of the scattering obstacle and give a characterization of the associated temporal domain derivative in terms of its Laplace transform. This characterization is then utilized in an efficient implementation of a regularized Gauß-Newton method for the inverse backscattering problem using convolution quadrature and a boundary element method. Numerical examples demonstrate potentials and limitations of the algorithm.