Compact Deminer's Probe

Broadband Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) has shown promise, reliably identifying land mines by their casing material and explosive content. A LIBS sensor integrated into a deminer's probe could revolutionize humanitarian demining, improving clearance rates and operator safety. We propose a man-portable prodder to bring the detection speed and accuracy of LIBS to the post-conflict minefield where it is desperately needed. The innovative probe integrates optical transmission fibers and argon gas channels required for LIBS into an ergonomic and fully functional deminer's prodder. The probe connects to a backpack-mounted laser, spectrometer, and argon source through an armored bundle of optical fibers and tubing, thus placing the most expensive and bulky equipment away from the blast area and reducing strain on the deminer. The cable attaches to the probe through a rugged quick-release coupling, allowing rapid and tool-less probe replacement in the event of mine detonation. Relatively inexpensive replacement probes can be kept on hand, allowing virtually uninterrupted demining activity with minimal down time. The Phase I will show a proof of concept of the system packaging.