Backscatter technique:
Introduction:
The backscatter technique uses X-ray photons that bounce off the electrons
of materials. Explosives and plastics bounce back more photons than soil
does, and they scatter them more widely, which can create more accurate
images of the mines. Rocks, wood, roots and other materials create very
different images and cannot be confused with land mines.
Research studies:
-
A revolutionary new land mine detection system, based on the backscatter
technique has being developed at the University
of Florida (UF) originally for military use, and is ready to be converted
for a humanitarian effort to rid the world of leftover land mines lurking
in former war areas.
A recent technology transfer grant from the Department
of Defense (DoD) to develop a more efficient unit unites UF's efforts
with Raton Technology
Research (RTR) of New Mexico and the Los
Alamos National Laboratory. For the larger unit, RTR will provide an
antenna that can quickly scan an area 100 square meters to locate land
mines.
Los Alamos will provide a detector that can determine the presence
of explosives at the site of a mine image
.
