A numerical method for inverse source problems for Poisson and Helmholtz equations

This paper is concerned with an iterative algorithm for inverse evaluation of the source function for two elliptic systems. The algorithm starts with an initial guess for the unknown source function, obtains a background field and, obtains the working equations for the error field. The correction to the assumed value appears as a source term for the error field. It formulates two well-posed problems for the error field which makes it possible to obtain the correction term. The algorithm can also recover the source function with partial data at the boundary. We consider 2-D as well as 3-D domains. The method can be applied to both Poisson and Helmholtz operators. Numerical results indicate that the algorithm can recover close estimates of the unknown source functions based on measurements collected at the boundary. - Highlights: • A numerical method for inverse source problem for two elliptic systems. • Computationally efficient, and accurate. • Can be applied to both Poisson and Helmholtz equation.