If you want to discover new things, you either need to look in new places or try new methodologies.

Our scanner works with a unique combination of physics, mathematics and technical innovation.

Dr Colin Stove, the founder and inspiration behind the Adrok ADR Scanner, had a distinguished career in the field of radar – working with radar sensors from both satellites and the Space Shuttle, as well as working extensively with ground penetrating radar.

This fundamental understanding of wave and light physics gave him the insight and knowledge he needed to successfully reinvent the subsurface scanner using an advanced ‘coherent’ beam (two waves working together), that has worked so effectively, it is fundamentally changing the way the exploration industry works.

Why Atomic Dielectric Resonance?

The first three letters of our name A. D. R. stand for ‘Atomic Dielectric Resonance’. And this phrase is the key to how the scanner works. This is what we create and what we interpret. We measure ‘dielectric resonance’, which is the unique way materials resonate when hit by electromagnetic waves.

How does the scanner do what other scanners can’t?

The Adrok scanner transmits and then receives back, narrow pulsed beams of micro and radio waves. When these waves cross a boundary between material types, an ‘echo’ is reflected back to the scanner.

But the ‘echo’ that is received is different to the one that was sent out. It has a slightly different resonance. Why? Because a material has its own Dielectric Permittivity – or ‘resistance’ to the electromagnetic wave that we hit it with - think of it like pouring water on a variety of household objects - all will absorb and repel the water in a different and unique way depending on what it is made of.

This ‘echo’ is as unique as a fingerprint, and can then be analyzed to reveal detailed information on the characteristics of the material that has been discovered.

Because the micro and radio waves are both absorbed and reflected by materials, we can also obtain accurate measurements of the shape and depth of the materials scanned (effectively a map).

Predrilling Virtual Logging ®.

Its Less Boring with Adrok ®.

Sustainably Extending Resources Life™

Download our ADR Technical White Paper for more information

Turning doubters into believers...

Some frequently asked questions about our technologies?

Q1. What is Atomic Dielectric Resonance (ADR) technology?

ADR technology is a geophysical method developed by Adrok that uses electromagnetic waves to penetrate the Earth's subsurface. This non-invasive technique allows for detailed imaging of geological formations, providing accurate data for various applications such as mineral exploration, oil and gas detection, and environmental studies.

Q2. How does ADR technology work?

ADR technology works by emitting electromagnetic pulses into the ground. These pulses interact with subsurface materials and generate responses that are recorded and analyzed. The data collected is used to create detailed images of the subsurface, revealing different geological layers and structures.

Learn more about Adrok's deep penetrating ADR Technology

Q3. How accurate is ADR technology in identifying subsurface formations?

ADR technology provides high-resolution imaging and can differentiate between various subsurface materials with a high degree of accuracy. The precision of ADR has been validated through numerous field tests and case studies across different geological settings.

Q4. What is the environmental impact of ADR technology?

ADR technology is designed to be environmentally friendly. Since it is non-invasive, it minimizes the disruption to natural landscapes and ecosystems. This makes it a sustainable choice for subsurface exploration compared to traditional methods that require extensive drilling and excavation, power consumption and vibrations.

Q5. How does ADR technology contribute to cost savings in exploration projects?

By providing accurate subsurface data without the need for extensive physical sampling, ADR technology significantly reduces exploration costs. The fast turnaround of data and high-resolution imaging also streamline the decision-making process, leading to more efficient project planning and execution.

Q6. Can ADR technology be used in remote or difficult-to-access areas?

Yes, ADR technology is highly versatile and can be deployed in various terrains and environments, including remote and difficult-to-access areas. Its non-invasive nature and portability make it ideal for challenging exploration sites.

Q7. What kind of data outputs can clients expect from an ADR survey?

Clients receive detailed subsurface logs, images and data reports that include information on geological formations, material composition, and potential resource locations. The outputs are presented in a user-friendly format, often accompanied by 3D visualizations to aid interpretation.

Q8. How does Adrok ensure the reliability and accuracy of its ADR surveys?

Adrok employs rigorous quality control and validation procedures to ensure the reliability and accuracy of its ADR surveys. This includes calibration of equipment, thorough data analysis, and cross-referencing with existing geological data. Additionally, Adrok continuously invests in research and development to enhance the capabilities of ADR technology.

Q9. Do we emit a narrow beam as a laser?

No, as our deeply penetrating centre frequency has a wavelength of about 30metres the narrowest possible beam would be about 10 times wider than the wavelength because of Huygens' principle. However we do use beam modelling (a form of raytracing) in our analysis and some forward models.

Q10. With a wavelength of 30m don't we have an error of 30m in feature localization?

This is true if we used a single photon. If N photons are used the theoretical error is 30m/sqrt(N). Classically we use phase information to accurately locate a reflector. In practice accuracy is limited by sampling rate, and not the theoretical limit as N is of course very large.

Q11. Doesn't Maxwell's equation predict radio waves don't penetrate?

Maxwell's equations govern electromagnetic phenomena in vacuum only. To model propagation in materials such as the earth a specific model of the electrical properties of the earth has to be created and then coupled to the Maxwell equations. Such models are phenomenological and usually have several parameters that are difficult to measure in-situ. Download our technical note on the propagation and attenuation of EM waves in complex media for further technical explanations. Also here is a research project that demonstrates our signals' two-way reflection propagation through 1.1km of rock to ground level from inside one of Europe's deepest underground mines.

Q12. Can't we just measure the electromagnetic properties of rocks in the lab and then use that in a forward model for subsurface propagation?

When material is removed from the ground atmospheric contamination (mainly moisture) changes the electrical properties, so these values are not the in-situ values governing propagation. Apparently Erwin Schrödinger, one of the founders of Quantum Mechanics, measured such changes for his thesis and found the resistivity can change by many orders of magnitude. As a consequence the attenuation of the EM waves in the ground as predicted by ground model parameters obtained in the lab from rock samples often displays strong attenuation, whereas field measurements show wave propagation with much less attenuation. We have performed in-situ measurements of attenuation at selected locations and found that when in-situ experimental data is used the attenuation is several orders of magnitude less than predicted by “book” values. Details can be found in SEG2014 conference paper (Doel et al, 2014) and CSIT2018 peer-reviewed journal paper (Doel & Stove, 2018).

Q13. Why do some geophysicists say that this technology does not work?

Cognitive biases and uncertainty (incomplete understanding) may be at play. Have you asked them whether they have tested or used our technology first-hand before? The likelihood is that they have not bothered; which clearly does not mean that our technology does not work or will not be successful. There are many geophysicists with vested interests in the geoscience industries who become nervous about competition and do not like new ideas or new technology generated by others, as it may adversely affect their own positions and reputations. At Adrok we have no interest in besmirching competitors and their technologies; we believe this is unprofessional, immature and benefits nobody. We appreciate how difficult it is to create new technologies and bring them to market.

As Sir Arthur Charles Clarke stated - Every revolutionary idea — in science, politics, art, or whatever — seems to evoke three stages of reaction. They may be summed up by the phrases:

(1) "It's completely impossible — don't waste my time";

(2) "It's possible, but it's not worth doing";

(3) "I said it was a good idea all along."

Opportunities are found where the speed of scientific and technological innovations outpace the rate of Humans' adaptability to change.

And, as Jeff Bezos stated - "you have to be willing to be misunderstood if you're going to innovate".

Q14. What is the typical process for conducting an ADR survey with Adrok?

The process typically involves the following steps:

• Initial Consultation: Understanding the client's objectives and site conditions.

• Survey Planning: Designing the survey parameters and logistics.

• Field Survey: Deploying ADR equipment and collecting data.

• Data Analysis: Processing and interpreting the collected data.

• Reporting: Delivering detailed reports and visualizations to the client.

• Follow-Up: Providing support for data interpretation and further exploration planning.

Q15. How can potential clients get started with an ADR survey?

Potential clients can get started by contacting Adrok through their website or directly reaching out to their sales and support team. Adrok offers initial consultations to discuss specific project needs and provide tailored solutions.

For more information or ask a question that is not listed above or to schedule a consultation, please get in touch.

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