<title>Passive millimeter wave sensors for detection of buried mines</title>

Abstract

The detection of land mines and other ordnance on the battlefield has grown in importance with their increased use, not only for military personnel, but for civilians after hostilities have ceased. The need for new approaches and sensors to increase the speed and efficiency of methods to clear mines is an issue that must be addressed. A method to detect metal mines, on top of or buried under dry sand, is demonstrated using the passive detection of naturally occurring millimeter wave radiation (at 44 GHz) emanating from the scene. Measurements will be shown that indicate the feasibility of detection of metal under at least 3 inches of dry sand.