Overview of laser and NQR for the purpose of clearance and detection of mines

An overview of international research and development of laser neutralization of mines and UXO, and NQR as a method of detecting mines. The development in laser neutralization is divided into three different areas: o Neutralization of UXO with high power lasers, meant for clearing airbase test- and training ranges. o Neutralization of mines in plastic envelopes. o Cutting of explosives without thermal interaction. NQR is a detection method that is specific for the chemistry of different explosives. The method is promising, but the low signal-to-noise ratio poses a problem.