News Release

Landmine detection

Peer-Reviewed Publication

Office of Naval Research

The nuclear quadrupole resonance technology developed at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C., is now being adapted by Quantum Magnetics Inc. of San Diego for landmine detection. The technology, which is based on magnetic resonance, was originally developed by Dr. Allen Garroway and his colleagues at NRL for explosives and narcotics detection. NRL licensed the technology to Quantum Magnetics in 1993. The company went on to successfully demonstrate a system based on the nuclear quadrupole technology that was robust enough for airport operations. The company's systems have been tested by the FAA and are expected to be installed in many U.S. airports. In 1999, the Navy acquired a Quantum Magnetics inspections system for examining mail at oversea installations. Under a recently extended license agreement, Quantum Magnetics Inc. is adapting the nuclear quadrupole resonance technology to include landmine detection. The technology is intended for use in a portable detector for U.S. marines and a vehicle-mounted system for the U.S. Army.

###


Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.