Search

The DIAMINE sensor makes use of the neutron backscattering techniques (NBT). The presence of a buried land‐mine causes a localized strong increase of the yield of low energy neutrons, due to the hydrogen content of the explosive and of the plastic case of the mine. In some conditions, the hit distribution could provide an “image” of the hidden object. Coupling of the NBT sensor with a metal detector (MD) will provide the operator with a compact device, reducing the false alarm rate of the single sensors. The laboratory tests of the DIAMINE system demonstrate the possibility to detect small APM up to 10 cm depth in sand. The best use of the NBT technique is presented in the frame of the Humanitarian De‐mining requirements.

Long‐term observations of soil water content as well as determination of physical and chemical properties of different types of soils in Croatia were made in order to provide the necessary background information for landmine explosive detection. Soil water content is the key attribute of soil as a background in neutron backscattering technique (NBT) landmine detection application. If the critical value of the soil water content is reached, the detection of landmine explosives is not possible. It is recommended that soil moisture content for NBT application does not exceed 0.1 kg.kg−1 [1]. Nineteen representative samples of different soil types from different parts of Croatia were collected in order to establish soil bank with the necessary physical and chemical properties determined for each type of soil. In addition soil water content was measured on daily and weekly basis on several locations in Croatia. This procedure also included daily soil moisture measurements in the test field made of different types of soils from several locations in Croatia. This was done in order to evaluate the behavior of different types of soils under the same weather conditions.