Currently available handheld mine detectors are effective in detecting metal mines and pieces of metal used in the firing mechanisms of non-metallic mines. However, these detectors can have a very high false alarm rate due to an inability to discriminate targets, particularly the types and shapes of small metal-firing mechanism parts, and they are not effective at localizing small metallic targets within their electromagnetic footprint. We are proposing innovative enhancements to the technology embodied in the Army standard mine detecting unit AN/PSS-12 that will lead the development of an affordable device that can precisely locate and discriminate between mines and clutter. The Phase I research has demonstrated the feasibility of the basic concept. In Phase II we will develop and test a prototype sensor.
Keywords: Landmine Detection; Electromagnetic Induction, Magnetic Induction, Metal Detector
