Mine detection using backscattered X-ray imaging of antitank and antipersonnel mines

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Mine detection using backscattered X-ray imaging of antitank and antipersonnel mines

Lockwood, G. / Shope, S. / Bishop, L. / Selph, M. / Jojola, J.

The use of backscattered X-rays to image buried land mines and distinguish between surface and buried features has been well documented. The laboratory imaging experiments, conducted at Sandia National Laboratories/New Mexico, have been used to develop preliminary data acquisition hardware and software for an oncoming advanced technology demonstration. In addition, the image processing techniques, developed by the Department of Nuclear Engineering at the University of Florida, are utilized. In this paper we examine imaging under a variety of practical environmental conditions. We have successfully imaged antitank mines (ATM) buried in sand and rocky New Mexico soil. Images have been obtained for bare surfaces as well as for surfaces covered with limestone road coarse base, snow, water, and native grass. In addition, we have imaged buried ATM and surface antipersonnel mines covered with debris consisting of various size rocks, a log, and leaves such that no mine was visible to the eye. Contour plots of the images obtained for the various environmental conditions are presented.