Background: Recently

the prompt gamma-rays neutron activation analysis method is wildly used in coal analysis and explosive detection

however there were less application about landmine detection using neutron method especially in the domestic research.Purpose: In order to verify the feasibility of Thermal Neutron Analysis（TNA） method used in landmine detection

and explore the characteristic of this technology.Methods: An experimental system of TNA landmine detection was built based on LaBr3（Ce） fast scintillator detector and 252Cf isotope neutron source.The system is comprised of the thermal neutron transition system

the shield system

and the detector system.Results: On the basis of the TNA

the wide energy area calibration method especially to the high energy area was investigated

and the least detection time for a typical mine was defined.In this study

the 72-type anti-tank mine

the 500 g TNT sample and several interferential objects are tested in loess

red soil

magnetic soil and sand respectively.Conclusions: The experimental results indicate that TNA is a reliable demining method

and it can be used to confirm the existence of Anti-Tank Mines（ATM） and large Anti-Personnel Mines（APM） in complicated condition.