F2-E Detection of Electronically Initiated Explosive Devices

Abstract:Explosive devices are often triggered by electronics that use components like wireless receivers, timers, and microprocessors. When active, these electronics emit electromagnetic energy and are susceptible to damage from external electromagnetic fields. Our goal is to develop methods to remotely detect and neutralize electronics used in explosive devices by exploiting their electromagnetic characteristics. Work in the last year has focused on detecting superheterodyne receivers (the type of receiver used for wireless voice communication) and on detecting electronic timers (e.g. like a stove timer or a watch). The emissions from superheterodyne receivers have been characterized and a method has been developed to detect these receivers while using a low-power stimulation that modifies these emissions. This approach is able to detect these receivers from far greater distances or in far greater noise than traditional passive methods which look only for emissions from the radio oscillator. Emissions from electronic timers have also been characterized. A specialized receiver that is capable of detecting the extremely low-power emissions from the timer is being constructed. Three journal papers have been submitted relative to this project, one additional journal paper is nearly ready for DHS review, and one patent disclosure was made. Commercialization of the developed technology is being pursued with a small company. We are ahead of our proposed schedule.

Faculty and Staff Currently Involved in Project:

Daryl Beetner
Professor
Missouri University of Science and Technology

Steve Grant
Associate Professor
Missouri University of Science and Technology

David Pommerenke
Professor
Missouri University of Science and Technology

Students Currently Involved in Project:

Matt Halligan, MS EE
Missouri University of Science and Technology

Colin Stagner, PhD EE
Missouri University of Science and Technology

Peng Xiao, PhD EE
Missouri University of Science and Technology

Natalia Bondarenko, PhD EE
Missouri University of Science and Technology