[en] The inverse scattering problem for inhomogeneous media is considered within the topology optimization framework. Varying the complex-valued refractive index we derive a zero-order necessary optimality condition in minimizing the L ² misfit cost functional of the far-field measurement. The topology asymptotic expansion of the optimality condition leads to an imaging operator, which is used to identify the center of the unknown inhomogeneity using few far-field measurements. Numerical tests show high precision and stability in the reconstruction using our optimality condition based imaging both in two and three dimensions. (paper)