Yet another perspective on image volumes

An extended image is defined as the multi-dimensional cross-correlation of the source and receiver wavefields used for imaging. This extended image will reveal velocity errors by de-focusing and can thus be used for velocity analysis. However, for optimal sensitivity to velocity errors, the subsurface offset has to be aligned with the local dip. As this dip is not known a priori, we consider forming the extended image for subsurface offsets in all directions. However, computing and storing such a large image volume is not computationally feasible. We organize the image volume in a matrix and use matrix-probing techniques to glean information form the matrix without explicitly forming it. A matrix-vector multiply with the image-volume matrix can be performed at the cost of two wave-equation solves and does not require any explicit cross-correlations of the wavefields. Such techniques can also be used to evaluate focusing penalties without forming the whole image volume. Finally, the matrix-viewpoint allows us to derive a 2-way equivalent of the DSR equation in a straightforward manner and provides a possible avenue for developing new velocity-continuation techniques.