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Acoustically/Vibrationally Enhanced High Frequency Electromagnetic Detector for Buried Landmines

Award Information
Agency: Department of Defense
Branch: Army
Contract: W911NF-16-P-0046
Agency Tracking Number: A16A-004-0091
Amount: $149,945.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: STTR
Solicitation Topic Code: A16A-T004
Solicitation Number: 2016.0
Timeline
Solicitation Year: 2016
Award Year: 2016
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): 2016-08-12
Award End Date (Contract End Date): 2017-01-31
Small Business Information
1242 Chestnut Street
Newton, MA 02464
United States
DUNS: 078673633
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 Gregory Scultz
 (603) 678-8385
 schultz@whiterivertech.com
Business Contact
 Edmund Reiter
Phone: (617) 851-6178
Email: reiter@whiterivertech.com
Research Institution
 University of Vermont
 Jennifer Gagnon
 
85 South Prospect Street \N
Burlington, VT 15405
United States

 (802) 656-3360
 Nonprofit College or University
Abstract

White River Technologies, Inc. (WRT) and University of Vermont (UVM) present this proposal, "Acoustically/Vibrationally Enhanced High Frequency Electromagnetic Detector for Buried Landmines". Among the primary gaps in our current landmine detection technology base is the ability to detect a wide range of buried explosive hazards including emerging low-metal mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and the ability to discriminate hazardous items from the innocuous clutter. These needs are driving needs for new modes of detection that are distinctly different from current electromagnetic induction (EMI) and ground penetrating radar (GPR) technologies currently being used. Our team will exploit previously-documented resonant and non-linear landmine vibrational features using novel acoustic/seismic source configurations, custom Doppler radar electronics and processing, and tightly-integrated, synchronized acoustic source and receiver operation. Our approach begins with end-to-end modeling to describe acoustic and seismic propagation, mechanical/vibrational landmine excitation, and electromagnetic propagation modeling to define system requirements. We will perform laboratory experimentation to validate modeling results and analyze the performance of candidate waveforms, frequencies, Doppler radar design tradeoffs, and processing methods. Experimental analysis results and operational size, weight, and power (SWaP) constraints will drive the design of a prototype sensing package for development and testing in following project phases.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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