Array Beam Imaging for High Resolution Stand-Off Mine Detection

There is currently no single cost-effective technological solution to the problem of land mine detection and location in a variety of field conditions. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) is a useful technology in many environments, but its application in wet soil conditions is limited, especially for detection of small, anti-personnel devices. Like most imaging methods, GPR imaging cannot provide high-confidence detection in high clutter environments. We propose to demonstrate the feasibility of a sensor/data fusion imaging system which is useful for detection in both wet and dry conditions and which provides relatively high confidence detection in the presence of ground clutter and extraneous targets. The system's software has been successfully demonstrated using radar data and computer simulations of seismic imaging. We have shown that useful seismic signals can be propagated and detected at distances greater than 2 meters in a homogenous soil test bed. Computer simulations have verified that seismic imaging can locate mines in high clutter environments. We propose to demonstrate that the fusion of radar and seismic data in a Phase II system prototype will provide improved performance over a strictly radar-based imaging system. Direct benefits from a successful Phase I program would be the definition of a workable mine/UXO imaging system that will allow the development and testing of a prototype in Phase II. Ultimately we expect to develop an imaging system as a commercial product for deployment by DOD, as well as by international agencies for humanitarian de-mining. Phase I results would also be used in the on-going TRAC-NA/Buck Research development of geophysical exploration systems, engineering systems for non-destructive testing and environmental hazards evaluation systems.