Microwave Enhanced IR Detection of Landmines Using 915 MHz and 2450 MHz

Abstract : As a continuation of previous studies in microwave enhanced infrared (IR) detection of landmines at DRDC Ottawa, additional experiments were performed using a microwave source at 2450 MHz to illuminate buried inert antipersonnel and antitank landmines. Further experiments were performed for the first time using a microwave device at 915 MHz with an open waveguide. Infrared detection was accomplished using a FLIR A20M IR camera in the 8-12 mm region. An investigation of this method was done by examining mine signatures made up of two components: the microwave interference on the surface of the sand caused by the superposition of incident and reflected microwave beams, and the microwave absorption by the mine and sand causing a temperature difference to be thermally conducted to the surface of the soil. Results are presented for a wide variety of experimental arrangements. An attempt at simulating various minefield conditions was explored. Some of the surfaces examined above buried mine targets include smooth, moist, hand brushed, very uneven, and raked soil. Introducing clutter on the surface of the soil such as pebbles, rocks, leaves and wood has also been studied. Many of these parameters impeded the detection process. Thus, this method is not an allencompassing solution to mine detection but may improve IR methods in circumstances such as dark or cloudy weather. Outlined recommendations concerning future scientific studies into the proposed method may refine microwave enhanced IR imagery.