Validating Forward Modeling and Inversions of Helioseismic Holography Measurements

Here, we use synthetic data to explore the performance of forward models and inverse methods for helioseismic holography. Specifically, this work presents the first comprehensive test of inverse modeling for flows using lateral-vantage (deep-focus) holography. We derive sensitivity functions in the Born approximation. We then use these sensitivity functions in a series of forward models and inversions of flows from a publicly available magnetohydrodynamic quiet-Sun simulation. The forward travel times computed using the kernels generally compare favorably with measurements obtained by applying holography, in a lateral-vantage configuration, on a 15 hr time series of artificial Dopplergrams extracted from the simulation. Inversions for the horizontal flow components are able to reproduce the flows in the upper 3 Mm of the domain, but are compromised by noise at greater depths.