The Photonic Seismology Lab,
Tel Aviv University
The Photonic Seismology Lab,
Tel Aviv University
We are an applied seismology group, leveraging Distributed Fiber Optic Sensing (DFOS) to answer questions about the deep and shallow structure of the Earth, subsurface processes that take place deep beneath our feet, and the seismic “noise” generated by anthropogenic activities. We use geophysical and array processing approaches to extract the most from DFOS measurements, whether by using existing infrastructure or specially deployed cables in boreholes or underwater.
Research topics:
1. Behavior of low-magnitude earthquakes
By repurposing abandoned boreholes with DFOS, we record tiny earthquakes and study their properties. We are also developing better ways to combine DFOS and inertial measurements, to resolve some of the symmetry issues due to fiber-optic sensing.
2. Waveform inversion with DFOS
The spatio-temporal resolution of DFOS opens up a whole new world in source and structural inversions. We are currently working on new FWI objective functions using native DAS measurements and fully utilizing both temporal and spatial continuity.
3. Ambient noise
How can we leverage the high density of DFOS to image the subsurface without active sources? We are currently focusing on unconvential DAS acquisition geometries
4. Traffic monitoring
DFOS is a poweful tool in urban environments - but it is even better when coupled with cameras for training.
5.Diffraction imaging
Deep or shallow, we are developing better ways to image diffractions - with traditional sensors and DFOS
Team
We combine expertise in inverse theory, seismology, geophysical imaging, ambient noise interferometry, and geology.
Publications
Read our latest publications on Distributed Acoustic Sensing, microseismic monitoring, and near-surface geophysics.
Joint Source-Structure Full Waveform Inversion Using Distributed Acoustic Sensing
This study introduces a joint full-waveform inversion approach that simultaneously estimates source and structural parameters using dense Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) data. By implementing a new "normalized envelope" misfit function and an optimized L-BFGS scheme, the method overcomes traditional biases and non-uniqueness.
Synthetic 2D and 3D tests demonstrate that this approach significantly reduces source location errors and improves velocity models. These results suggest that leveraging DAS waveforms can greatly enhance the accuracy of earthquake catalogs and regional structural imaging.
News & Updates
Stay informed on our latest research highlights, lab milestones, and upcoming events in geophysics and Distributed Acoustic Sensing.
Lab Research on Microseismic Event Location Presented at AGU 2025
The Photonic Seismology Lab participated in the 2025 AGU Fall Meeting in New Orleans. Dr. Ariel Lellouch presented the research of his students Uri Wygodny and Eyal Shimony regarding a picking-free source-imaging approach for microseismic event location. Their work leveraged both downhole Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) and geophones at the Utah FORGE geothermal site to improve monitoring in high-noise environments.
Photo Gallery
Discover highlights from our fieldwork, conferences, and award ceremonies showcasing our journey in geophysics and seismic research.
