Design of LASER-Based Landmines Disposal System

Abstract

One of the major problems in war field and even after war is to neutralize the deployed landmines. These unexploded ordnance not only affected army personnel but is also big problem for civilians and even animals. The number of casualties due to such weapons are increasing rapidly every year. Countries like Pakistan, fighting against terrorism, have serious concerns about these weapons. Far infrared lasers (CO2 gas laser @ 25-30 w CW laser) can be used to defuse anti-personnel mines at a standoff distance of several meters. In this work, it is reported that laser-induced damage in polymers used as mine wrapping materials. A systematic study of absorption coefficient at 10.2-10.7μm using pyro electric sensor interfaced with lock-in amplifier and damage penetration time by focused beam using thermopile based power meter is presented. It is observed that CO2 gas laser may be effective for penetrating the wrapping material of the mines. The directed energy from laser is potentially capable of rapidly clearing unexploded ordnance by inducing a low-order burning or deflagration reaction in the explosive fill at safe stand-off ranges. The system is modular and can be installed on a variety of vehicles and weapon stations, as an add-on system. This research is being carried out at NILOP in collaboration with EME College, NUST.