Determination of speed limitations in acoustic-to-seismic mine detection using a laser Doppler vibrometer

Abstract

Landmine detection research demonstrates that acoustically-induced vibrations into the ground creates a vibrational response originating from landmines which can be differentiated from that of background. Field tests utilizing acoustic technology performed under static conditions has yielded high probabilities of detection coupled with low false alarm rates. Current research has proven acoustic mine detection can be performed on a forward moving platform. The speed limitations have not yet been discovered though. This paper will present the results of a series of field tests in which a laser doppler vibrometer suspended from a moving trolley is passed over buried land mine targets that are excited by an acoustic source. The paper will discuss the experimental protocol, the results and the interpretation of these results. This paper will also discuss our future efforts at acoustic land mine detection.