Scattering from a metallic object embedded near the randomly rough surface of a lossy dielectric

Two-dimensional electromagnetic scattering from a perfectly conducting target embedded near the randomly rough surface of an isotropic lossy dielectric is investigated. The randomly rough surface is illuminated by a finite width beam from an antenna in the free space above the surface, with off-normal incidence. Standard integral equation methods are applied and include all subsurface interactions between the object and rough surface. For a chosen embedded target, Monte Carlo simulations are performed for a selection of ensembles of rough surface types intended to be suggestive of natural ground. Far field scattering coefficient distributions and corresponding synthetic images suggest when the buried object should be discernible. Sensitivities are explored in terms of surface type, polarization of the incident field, depth and orientation of target, soil characteristics, incidence angle, and beamwidth. Many of the scattering features identified should also apply in 3D.