Lateral migration measured image signatures in the detection and identification of buried land mines

A series of buried land mine detection measurements were performed at the University of Florida using x-ray lateral migration radiography with 12 different types of actual antitank and antipersonnel mines. The resulting images possess extraordinarily definitive detail. The signatures are so unique that not only can positive mine detection be accomplished with this technique, but also mine identification. The mine's exterior shape combined with the interior air volumes yield easily recognized image signatures. The emphasis of this paper is on mine-type discrimination from image data. The reported results indicate that the lateral migration radiography technique provides a land mine detection method with the potential of near-zero false positive alarm probability. A practical system, which is under current design and fabrication, is described and allows for one square meter interrogation in 35 seconds, antitank and antipersonnel mine imaging and recognition in respectively 12.6 and 1.4 seconds. This approximately 75-kilogram system can be attached to a small two-wheel carrier and requires only 140 watts of electric power.