Broadband Electromagnetic Sensing for the Detection and Discrimation of Buried Unexploded Ordinance

Geophex has prototyped and field-tested a new broadband electromagnetic sensor that has not only proved its detection capabilities but also indicated a tantalizing possibility that it can discriminated targets and, therefore, substantially reduce the false alarm rate. Empirical evidence from the new sensor, known as the GEM-3, includes large amplitude and phase changes over a bandwidth of 300 Hz to 23 kHz. Although the first GEM-3 sensor was fabricated during the fall of 1996, it has already gained widespread recognition for its performance, potential, and promise. We propose to advance the GEM-3 sensor during Phase I by studying the physics of frequency-dependent scattering, acquiring calibration data over a wide frequency band (300 Hz to 23 kHz), and improving the overall design. Specifically, we plan to (1) study the physics using mathematical modeling, (ii) conduct con trolled experiments using the GEM-3 over known UXO-like targets, and (iii) develop a preliminary design of an improved GEM-3 sensor for UXO detection and discrimination based on the results of tasks (i) and (ii). BENEFITS: The GEM-3 sensor, when completed, will be in demand worldwide to satisfy the current UXO detection and removal needs. The technology would be applicable to detecting other buried objects, natural or man-made, such as landmines, sink holes, underground storage tanks, utility pipes, power lines, hazardous landfills, and lost treasure.