Portable radar system detects land mines.

Researchers at Battelle and Ohio State University's ElectroScience Laboratory are developing a portable radar system that could pinpoint the locations of millions of land mines buried around the globe. The work in being conducted for the Department of Defense's Office of Special Technology. The device resembles a small satellite dish-30 inches across--that is strapped to the front of the user, who scans the area. The radar is effective up to about five feet.

The proliferation of anti-personnel land mines has become a major problem throughout the world, particularly in Third World nations. The United Nations estimates there are 100,000,000 land mines buried in 64 countries.

Mines are inexpensive and easy to deploy. They remain in the ground and active long after fighting has ended, creating a threat to the native population. Mines now are being constructed with plastic containers and explosives, rendering traditional metal detectors ineffective at finding them. Thus, a more modern means of detection must be developed.

The ElectroScience...