Some approaches to infrared spectroscopy for detection of buried objects

Detection of buried objects presents a formidable challenge which requires many different approaches. Infrared imaging has proven its versatility in a number of applications. Recent advances in technology have opened the door for spectroscopic imaging systems which can produce images of reflectivity or emissivity as a function of two spatial dimensions and wavelength. These images have been largely unexploited for detection of buried and surface-laid landmines. Several promising opportunities exist for this application in different parts of the infrared spectrum. Variations in soil moisture content, vegetation condition, and soil composition may well be related to the presence of shallow-buried objects. In addition, polarimetric signatures appear useful in detecting man-made objects on the surface and may even help in detecting buried objects. This paper will explore both the feasibility of using infrared spectral imagery in the 1-to-2.5 and 8-to-12 micrometer infrared bands to detect surface-laid and buried objects. ©2003 Copyright SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering.

Duke Scholars

Author Tuan Vo-Dinh Biomedical Engineering