Some guy started inside Aziz USB projects (informative reading) interesting discussion about using Lock In Amplifier (LIA) in MD.
LIA-s implementation can be promising and progresive way of future metal detector design. Way to recognise usable signal buried deep in noise.
http://www.physics.emich.edu/molab/lock-in/psd.html
Here simple schematic as start of practical approach and possible solution of LIA-s implementation:

As an idea I paste here a part of bbsailor comments from Aziz USB project:
"Try to replace the differential input to the PI integrator IC chip of the Hammerhead with the lock-in amplifier to see how much more sensitivily you can squeeze out of adjusting integration time with coil sweep speeds. This is only for bench-top experimentaion unless you can find some lock-in amplifier IC chips."
LIA-s implementation can be promising and progresive way of future metal detector design. Way to recognise usable signal buried deep in noise.
http://www.physics.emich.edu/molab/lock-in/psd.html
Here simple schematic as start of practical approach and possible solution of LIA-s implementation:

As an idea I paste here a part of bbsailor comments from Aziz USB project:
"Try to replace the differential input to the PI integrator IC chip of the Hammerhead with the lock-in amplifier to see how much more sensitivily you can squeeze out of adjusting integration time with coil sweep speeds. This is only for bench-top experimentaion unless you can find some lock-in amplifier IC chips."