Acoustically/Vibrationally Enhanced High Frequency Electromagnetic Detector for Buried Landmines

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.