Mine detection with a forward-moving portable laser Doppler vibrometer

Land mine detection research demonstrates that sending acoustic to seismic waves in the ground produces a unique vibrational response in hollow objects such as land mine casings. Even when they are buried, damped vibrations of mines can be measured at the surface above them. These vibrations can be distinguished from the ground or other natural buried objects. Field tests utilizing acoustic technology performed under static (stand still) conditions have yielded high probabilities of detection coupled with low false alarm rates. Army requirements necessitate a forward moving system; therefore we have been investigating the application of acoustic technology for land mine detection under non-static, forward moving conditions. This paper will present the results of a series of field tests in which two laser doppler vibrometers are passed over buried land mine targets that are excited by an acoustic source. The paper will discuss the experiment protocol, the results and the interpretation of these results. This paper will also discuss our future efforts at acoustic land mine detection.