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Landmine detection has long been a dangerous and slow process, often relying on methods like metal detectors, ground-penetrating radar (GPR), and handheld devices. However, a new laser-based technology developed by researchers at the University of Mississippi is set to transform the way we detect landmines, significantly improving both speed and safety.
The innovative system, called LAMBDIS (Laser Multi-Beam Differential Interferometric Sensor), uses a 34×23 matrix array of laser beams to create a vibration map of the ground in less than a second. By casting a laser beam onto the surface, the system causes vibrations in the ground. According to the press release, these vibrations alter the frequency of the reflected light, which can then be analyzed to form a clear image of the area. Unlike traditional detection methods, LAMBDIS can identify buried landmines, which vibrate differently than the surrounding soil, appearing as distinct anomalies in the map.
What sets LAMBDIS apart is its ability to be used from a moving vehicle, enabling faster detection across large areas, compared to the labor-intensive methods currently in use. This capability makes the technology ideal for both military operations in active conflict zones and humanitarian efforts to clear landmines after conflicts have ended.
Landmines are particularly dangerous because modern versions are often made of plastic, making them harder to detect with traditional metal-detection techniques. As Vyacheslav Aranchuk, the lead researcher, points out, there are tens of millions of landmines buried around the world, with many more being laid daily in conflict zones. The new technology provides a solution to this growing problem by using a combination of laser and acoustic sensing, which is more accurate and reduces the risk of false positives.
Landmines continue to pose a serious threat worldwide, with more than 110 million active mines in the ground. In 2022 alone, over 4,700 people were killed or injured by landmines, with the majority of casualties being civilians. The cost of landmine clearance is high, often reaching up to $1,000 per mine, but LAMBDIS could make the process faster, safer, and more cost-effective, ultimately saving lives and helping to clear affected regions more efficiently.
