Landmine detection method combined with backscattering neutrons and capture γ-rays from hydrogen

The usefulness of the measurements of the backscattering neutron and 2.22 MeV capture γ-ray from hydrogen in the landmine detection method is described in this paper. When the soil moisture content is increased, the reaction rates of both the neutron scattering reaction and capture reaction are increased. However, the backscattering neutrons are more influenced than the capture γ-rays by the soil moisture before the reaction with the detector. The facts that the backscattering neutron method is useful in the dry soil case and that the capture γ-ray method is effective in well-wet soil case are confirmed by the experiments and the calculations. The landmine detection efficiency is improved in various soil moisture conditions by combining the backscattering neutron method together with the capture γ-ray method. The effectiveness of the pulse mode operation was confirmed numerically.