Design, implementation and testing of a prototype 1.1-2.1 GHz SFCW GPR for use in landmine detection

The problem of undetected anti-personnel landmines is both of major political concern and a formidable engineering problem. Currently, no affordable, accurate method for detecting such mines exists. As a solution to the landmine problem this paper gives an account of the design, implementation and testing of an inexpensive, prototype 1.1-2.1 GHz stepped frequency continuous wave (SFCW) ground penetrating radar (GPR) for landmine detection. Initial tests performed in a laboratory based environment using a homogenous Styrofoam ground medium have shown that the design has the potential to accurately detect landmines in a field test situation.