Detection of Explosives and Landmines

The problem of reliably detecting explosives, whether in buried landmines or hidden in cars, aircraft cargo, baggage, or carried by suicide bombers, has not yet been solved. Explosive device detection technology can make a major contribution to collective, family and individual security. This book reviews the state-of-the-art in a wide range of different technologies and considers whether there are alternative methods or technologies. It includes information from experts about methods and field experience. The consensus is that current sensor technologies are inadequate for most mine action tasks and anti-terrorist activities (consider plastic mines) and no single sensor system will be able to meet all needs. Scientists must forge strong links with end users and should visit real minefields to acquire a clear understanding of the problems.