Thermal Neutron Analysis (TNA) is a non-intrusive detection technique that can specifically detect landmines by measuring the high nitrogen density in the explosives. This technique is well suited for a confirmatory sensor that can work in conjunction with existing anomaly mine detection sensors, which have high false alarm rates. The proposed Phase 1 program will use an electronic neutron generator (ENG) in an experimental and engineering trade-off study to determine the best sensors for the mine detection problem. The measure of performance will be the signal-to-noise level obtainable within the time budget allotted for a confirmatory sensor that is derived from the overall US Army goals for mine clearing. High-efficiency and medium-resolution sodium iodide (NaI(Tl)) scintillators, and lower-efficiency and high-resolution hyper-pure germanium (HPGe) solid-state detectors will be compared. Measurements will be made using a laboratory "sandbox" with buried (simulated) mines of different sizes and a modified TNA measurement system. From the data taken, an extrapolation of the performance (Probability of Detection (PD)/Probability of False Alarm (PFA)) for a field system will be made. The results will be documented in a final report. If the feasibility study is successful, a Phase 2 program to build and field-test a prototype, will be proposed. The TNA based mine detection sensor has a unique ability to detect the presence of all high explosives used in present day mines. It can be used as a confirmatory sensor in conjunction with presently used primary sensors that are based on non-specific, anomaly detection. Successful demonstration of its feasibility in the Phase 1 program should lead to a Phase 2 program to build and test a field prototype. Thereafter, if adopted by the US Army, production models will be engineered to meet mission requirements. The technology has application to humanitarian demining, and UXO detection and confirmation, along with explosive detection for other security applications.
