Utilization of Chemical Vapor Detection of Explosives as a Means of Rapid Minefield Area Reduction.

摘要

Clearing large areas that are suspected of containing landmines is an expensive and time-consuming task. Upon the completion of demining operations, few, if any, landmines may be found. Technologies that can locate individual landmines in a minefield exist, but most of these methods are relatively slow and expensive. In addition, these technologies are not generally suitable for rapid screening of an area for the presence of landmines. Hence, technologies that can quickly ascertain whether there is an actual landmine threat in an area are needed. The explosive contained in landmines produces a bouquet of chemical vapors that can contaminate the environment near a mine. Under the DARPA Dog's Nose Program, Nomadics developed a sensor (known as Fido) that utilizes novel fluorescent polymers to detect ultra-trace concentrations of nitroaromatic compounds emanating from landmines. Evidence currently available indicates that it may be possible to quickly deduce mine locations to within an area of a few square meters. Field data supporting this conclusion have been obtained using our sensor, and the conclusions drawn are supported by other accepted laboratory analysis methods. These results are driving development of sampling and sensing equipment that may be suitable for rapidly isolating mined areas within large minefields. Preliminary data from field tests using prototype soil and vapor samplers with Fido sensors will be presented.