Landmine imaging by a hand-held GPR and metal detector sensor (ALIS)

Abstract

We are developing a new landmine detection system, namely advanced landmine imaging system (ALIS), which is equipped with metal detector (MD) and ground penetrating radar (GPR). Despite it is a hand-held system, we can record the MD and GPR signals together with the sensor position information acquired by CCD camera. Therefore, MD image and GPR image can be obtained after signal processing. Since ALIS is a hand-held system, the sensor position is random when it is operated in the field. So interpolation processing is needed to provide a gridded data set for both MD and GPR. A good MD image can be achieved after interpolation. Also, interpolation can prepare the gridded data set for migration. 3D Kirchhoff migration is used to enhance the signal-clutter ratio for effective image reconstruction. The ALIS was tested in Afghanistan in December 2004 and showed a good performance. In particular, the GPR could obtain a good image of anti-personnel (AP) mine buried at more than 20 cm depth. Also images from both sensors could be combined to distinguish a mine from a metal fragment.