How Desktop Scanners Can Access Airport Channels

Airport scanners are an essential part of airport security, designed to detect potential threats and ensure the safety of passengers and crew. These scanners use a variety of technologies, including X-rays and millimeter wave technology, to scan passengers and their belongings for prohibited items. While desktop scanners are not commonly mentioned in the context of airports, it is possible that some airports may employ them to enhance security measures. These desktop scanners can be used to scan luggage and detect potential threats, such as weapons, explosives, or drugs, by utilizing X-ray technology or millimeter wave technology. This raises the question of whether desktop scanners can effectively scan airport channels and what additional security measures may be in place to ensure the safety of air travel.

X-ray scanners

Astrophysics Inc., for example, offers X-ray scanning security systems with high-resolution imaging and innovative visual software. These systems are used by customs, law enforcement, and military personnel to intercept threats to global commerce, public health, and national security. Their scanners can screen large pallets and shipments, speeding up the inspection process while maintaining the flow of commerce and trade.

Millimeter wave scanners

The technology behind millimeter wave scanners involves the use of ultrahigh-frequency radio waves, or millimeter waves, to penetrate clothing and reflect off the body. These waves are non-ionizing, meaning they do not have enough energy to cause any harm to the human body. The waves are emitted by rotating transmitters and pass through clothing, bouncing off the skin and any concealed objects, before returning to receivers. This data is then interpreted by software, which creates a 3D image of the person's body and highlights any potential threats.

Overall, millimeter wave scanners play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of air travel by providing a non-invasive and efficient method to detect potential threats.

Metal detectors

If a metal object passes through the detector, the pulse creates an opposite magnetic field in the object. When the pulse's magnetic field collapses, the magnetic field of the object makes it take longer for the reflected pulse to disappear. This works in a similar way to an echo. A sampling circuit in the metal detector monitors the length of the reflected pulse and compares it to the expected length. If the decay of the reflected pulse takes longer than a few microseconds, there is probably a metal object interfering with it.

The sampling circuit then sends the signals to an integrator, which amplifies and converts them to direct current (DC). The DC's voltage is connected to an audio circuit, where it is changed into a tone that the metal detector uses to indicate that a target object has been found.

Handheld metal detectors

The Garrett SuperWand Metal Detector is a well-known option, featuring uniform sensitivity with a 360-degree detection field and tip pinpointing. It is priced at $209.95. Another popular choice is the Garrett Super Scanner V Metal Detector, recognised as the most widely used handheld metal detector globally. This detector is priced at $199.95.

Other notable handheld metal detectors include the SUNPOW Metal Detector Pinpointer, which is fully waterproof and offers three detection modes: buzzer, vibration, and sound. The Garrett THD Metal Detector is another portable and durable option, suitable for tactical applications and priced at $199.95.

Full-body scanners

There are two types of full-body scanners: millimeter-wave scanners and backscatter x-ray scanners. Millimeter-wave scanners use non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation to create a 3D image of a person's body. They emit low-energy radio waves, which are reflected back by the body and detected by the scanner. This technology can detect both metallic and non-metallic items, including weapons, explosives, and other objects that may be hidden under clothing.

Backscatter x-ray scanners, on the other hand, use ionizing radiation to generate images. They emit low doses of x-rays, similar to those used in medical imaging, which pass through the body and are detected by the scanner. While effective in detecting contraband, backscatter scanners have been deemed controversial due to privacy concerns. They can produce detailed images revealing an individual's private body parts, piercings, and other personal features.

To address privacy issues, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented several measures. They have added privacy filters, blurred facial images, and installed software to make the images less provocative. Additionally, the TSA has ensured that scanned images cannot be stored or exported from the machines used in airports.

In terms of health concerns, the radiation exposure from full-body scanners is considered safe and presents a very low risk to individuals. The doses of radiation are extremely low and equivalent to only a few minutes of radiation exposure from natural sources or air travel. The risks are far smaller than those associated with medical x-rays.

While full-body scanners are a standard security measure, passengers can opt for a pat-down screening instead. This alternative procedure is performed by a same-gender TSA officer who wears clean gloves and explains the process.

Frequently asked questions