Laser Technology Transforms Landmine Detection
CISR
This headline is brought to you by the Center for International Stabilization and Recovery (CISR) which works to support resilience and recovery in global communities affected by war and conflict.
(iHLS) Landmine detection has traditionally been slow, dangerous, and reliant on outdated tools like metal detectors and ground-penetrating radar. However, researchers at the University of Mississippi have developed LAMBDIS (Laser Multi-Beam Differential Interferometric Sensor), a groundbreaking laser-based system that rapidly and safely detects buried landmines. Using a matrix of laser beams, LAMBDIS generates a vibration map of the ground in under a second.
It distinguishes landmines from surrounding soil by detecting their unique vibration patterns. Unlike traditional methods, LAMBDIS can operate from a moving vehicle, allowing large areas to be scanned efficiently. This innovation is vital for humanitarian mine-clearing and military operations, especially as modern plastic landmines are harder to detect. With over 110 million active landmines globally, LAMBDIS could save countless lives and reduce clearance costs significantly.
