Land mine detection by nuclear quadrupole resonance

Nuclear Quadrupole Resonance (NQR) combines the compound specific detection capability offered by chemical detection techniques with the spatial localization capability and convenience of an induction coil metal detector. In the 16 years since NQR was last applied to mine detection in the U.S., there has been considerable improvement in the basic techniques. This paper reviews the progress achieved under a recent initiative to detect landmines by NQR. Two basic technical developments are summarized: the design of a detection coil suitable for probing the ground for landmines buried at typical depths, and an increase in the NQR signal obtained from the explosive TNT. In addition, we report the sensitivity of an NQR detection system to detect the electromagnetic response of metal-cased landmines.