FY2010 - Oak Ridge National Laboratory

Seed Money Fund—
Biosciences Division
frequency modulation based on the direct plasmonic effect—can be achieved. Post-experimental
calculations have been started to interpret the experimental results and optimize the performance of the
nanosystem. The theoretical modeling is currently ongoing to support the acquired experimental data.
Information Shared
Passian, A., S. Koucheckian, S. B. Yakubovich, and T. Thundat. 2010. “Properties of index transforms in
modeling of nanostructures and plasmonic systems.” J. Math. Phys. 51, 023518.
Passian, A., L. Tetard, R. Farahi, B. Davison, A. Lereu, T. Thundat, S. Gleason, and K. Tobin. Accepted.
“Trends in high spatial high spectral resolution material characterization.” IEEE proceedings, Future
of Instrumentation.
05855
A Resonant-Based Grave Detector
Arpad Vass, Charles Van Neste, Thomas Thundat, Marc Wise, and Lee Hively
Project Description
This concept involves transmission of electrical energy through the earth-ground plane. Movement of
ground charges produces electromagnetic (EM) waves that propagate along the surface radially from a
transmitter. This form of wave is conventionally known as a surface or Zenneck wave. A nonradiating
system will be designed and assembled to generate electrical standing waves through the earth surface,
linking the transmitter and the receiver. The receiver then collects the surface waves and passively
integrates them (through resonance) over a period of time. The second step will be to determine if this
surface wave can excite bone, allowing for its detection using either an electrical rod attached to an
oscilloscope or by acoustic transducers placed along the ground. In previous experiments conducted by
the investigators, bone was observed to have a resonance at approximately 2 kHz.
Mission Relevance
Locating shallow, clandestine graves containing human remains continues to remain one of the greatest
challenges for law enforcement, military, and human rights organizations worldwide. The primary goal of
the project is the development and testing of a system that uses the transmission of electrical energy
through the ground to create a unique resonance in association with human bone, taking advantage of the
piezoelectric properties of bone, thereby allowing for its detection.
The project has ties to national security, the environment, and science. Locating clandestine graves assists
military operations and law enforcement endeavors worldwide. Modulation of the transmitter to
frequencies other than 2 kHz can help identify and locate subsurface anomalies important in detecting oil
and natural gas deposits and other natural resources.
Results and Accomplishments
The first phase of the project was dedicated to completing preliminary engineering designs and
determining manufacturing specifications, as well as evaluating potential hazards associated with high
voltage research. Three months into the project, parts were ordered corresponding to the established
designs and specifications. Acquired components (which were much more expensive than originally
priced) included 10 gauge enameled magnetic wire, power amplifiers, transformers, high voltage
capacitors and resistors, toroid, and the exoskeletal framework. Assembly of the unit and fabrication of
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