Providing geophysicists with an in-depth understanding of the theoretical and applied background for the seismic diffraction method, Classical and Modern Diffraction Theory covers the history and foundations of the classical theory and the key elements of the modern diffraction theory. Chapters include an overview and a historical review of classical theory, a summary of the experimental results illustrating this theory, and key principles of the modern theory of diffraction; the early cornerstones of classical diffraction theory, starting from its inception in the 17th century and an...