Metal detectors can help detect mines, but they can be fooled by buried metal debris. There are also mines that do not contain metal. The new system is claimed to work better by reading the unique molecular signatures of explosives used in mines.
Developed by scientists at the CSIRO Institute in Australia, the technology is known as MRread. “MR” stands for Magnetic Resonance.
The user begins by placing the handheld walkie-talkie device on the ground. The unit will begin transmitting high frequency pulses into the soil. These waves are tuned to resonate with target crystal compounds used in explosives.
If any of these compounds are present in the ground, radio waves will cause those molecules to vibrate at specific frequencies. Its unique “echo” signal is detected by the device and alerts the user to the presence of mines. The greater the magnitude of the echo, the greater the amount of explosive material present.
Unlike other mine detection systems, MRead does not base measurements on object size or density. This can vary greatly depending on the mine type. And unlike metal detectors, it will not detect underground metal debris such as shrapnel or bottle caps.
In partnership with technology developer RFC Ambrian, CSIRO created a MRead spin-off company to manufacture and distribute the technology. The non-profit organization The HALO Trust will be the first client to use the device in Southeast Asia starting next year.
“Magnetic resonance mine detection technology will have a major impact on areas recovering from unresolved minefields and currently experiencing hardship and danger,” said John Shanahan, Managing Director of MRead. . “These persistent and explosive remnants of war inhibit freedom of movement, restrict access to food, water, schools, hospitals and shelters, and jeopardize the safe recovery and return of civilians. increase.”
Source: CSIRO, MRead
