The RAND report concludes that no single mine detection technology exists that operates effectively against all mine types in all settings.

"There are too many variables affecting detection," MacDonald said. "The variety and depths of mines, soil type, moisture, terrain, location, atmospheric conditions, and vegetation density all affect the probability of detection."

In particular, plastic-encased mines are among the most difficult for a metal detector to identify, because of their low metallic content.

Because no single landmine sensor can find all types of mines in all environments while simultaneously decreasing the false alarm rate, researchers recommend creating a system that combines two or more technologies into a new landmine detection tool. Researchers also said an effective system will link data from various technologies as well as detect the chemical components of explosives.

"These systems would need to combine technologies that have distinct false alarm triggers and that key on different mine features, increasing the capability of

finding a wider variety of mines and of operating effectively in a range of environments," said J.R. Lockwood, a statistician and co-author of the RAND report.

RAND's Science and Technology Policy Institute is a federally funded research and development center sponsored by the National Science Foundation. The institute undertook the study as part of its mission to conduct objective, independent research and analysis on public policy issues involving science and technology.

RAND: http://www.rand.org

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