Abstract: A system for and method of electromagnetically detecting an embedded dielectric region within a target object are provided. The method includes the steps of: (i) selecting a target object including a plurality of discrete scattering mediums, wherein the plurality of discrete scattering mediums include the embedded dielectric region and an adjacent dielectric region, and wherein the plurality of discrete scattering mediums define at least one dielectric interface between the embedded dielectric region and the adjacent dielectric region; (ii) directing electromagnetic radiation at the target object, wherein the electromagnetic radiation is characterized by a diagnostic frequency that is varied incrementally over a diagnostic frequency band; (iii) detecting electromagnetic radiation reflected by the target object over the predetermined frequency band such that there are M measurements of a reflected electromagnetic signal at frequencies f.sub.1, f.sub.2, . . . , f.sub.