Metal Detectors: Airport Security's Inner Workings

Metal detectors are an essential part of airport security, providing a first line of defence in high-risk environments. They work by using pulse induction, which sends short bursts of current through a coil of wire, creating a magnetic field. When the pulse ends, the magnetic field reverses and collapses, resulting in an electrical spike. This technology can detect even the smallest metallic items with precision. TSA officers are trained to interpret the signals from metal detectors and decide whether additional screening is necessary, ensuring security threats are dealt with efficiently.

Pulse induction technology

Almost all airport metal detectors are based on pulse induction (PI) technology. This technology sends powerful, short bursts (pulses) of current through a coil of wire. Each pulse generates a brief magnetic field. When the pulse ends, the magnetic field reverses polarity and collapses very suddenly, resulting in a sharp electrical spike. This is how the metal detector is able to detect even the smallest metallic items with precision.

The coil of wire is located on one side of the arch and acts as both the transmitter and receiver. This means that the coil sends out the pulses and also receives the signal back. The pulses are sent out at a very high frequency, which allows the metal detector to quickly scan a person's body for any metal objects.

Metal detectors with pulse induction technology are very effective at detecting metal objects, regardless of their size or shape. This is because the magnetic field generated by the pulses can penetrate through most materials, including the human body. When the magnetic field encounters a metal object, it induces a current in that object. This current creates a magnetic field of its own, which interferes with the original magnetic field generated by the metal detector.

The metal detector is able to sense this interference and can determine the location and size of the metal object based on the strength of the interference. This allows the metal detector to pinpoint the exact location of the metal object on the person's body.

Walk-through metal detectors

Metal detectors are an essential part of airport security, providing a first line of defence in high-risk environments. Almost all airport metal detectors are based on pulse induction (PI). This technology sends powerful, short bursts (pulses) of current through a coil of wire. Each pulse generates a brief magnetic field. When the pulse ends, the magnetic field reverses polarity and collapses very suddenly, resulting in a sharp electrical spike.

Metal detectors are a safe and effective method of enforcing security in airports, schools and businesses. They are also more advanced than ever, able to detect even the smallest metallic items with precision. However, they are only part of the security equation. The TSA officers who operate these machines are also crucial, trained to interpret the signals from metal detectors and make quick decisions about whether additional screening is necessary.

Hand-held metal detectors

Metal detectors are a first line of defence in airports, screening individuals to prevent prohibited items from compromising security. Almost all airport metal detectors are based on pulse induction (PI), which sends powerful, short bursts of current through a coil of wire. Each pulse generates a brief magnetic field, and when the pulse ends, the magnetic field reverses polarity and collapses very suddenly, resulting in a sharp electrical spike.

The SuperWand is a revolutionary hand-held detector with 360-degree detection power, ensuring thorough scanning and precise pinpointing of metal targets. This device is widely used in airports because it delivers accurate detection and seamlessly integrates with walk-through models.

Modern metal detectors can feature advanced technology and adjustable sensitivity settings that help reduce false alarms. Items like keys, jewellery, and belt buckles can trigger alarms, leading to potential delays and unnecessary inspections.

Safety and radiation

Metal detectors are an essential part of airport security. They are used to screen individuals and prevent prohibited items from compromising airport security. Almost all airport metal detectors are based on pulse induction (PI). This technology sends powerful, short bursts (pulses) of current through a coil of wire. Each pulse generates a brief magnetic field. When the pulse ends, the magnetic field reverses polarity and collapses very suddenly, resulting in a sharp electrical spike.

Multi-zone walk-through metal detectors contain multiple coils that create separate detection zones. They can detect multiple objects and display all the areas where they are found. These systems are available with up to 33 zones and have alarm lights on the side of the unit, making it easier for security personnel to locate the object.

Metal detectors are safe and do not pose any radiation risk. While the magnetic fields created by metal detectors are a form of radiation, this radiation is non-ionising and does not cause biological damage. Repeated exposure to metal detectors has no associated health risks.

TSA officers who operate these machines are trained to interpret the signals from metal detectors and make quick decisions about whether additional screening is necessary. Their expertise ensures that security threats are identified and dealt with efficiently, without compromising the flow of passengers through the airport.

Security threats

Metal detectors are an essential security tool in airports, providing a first line of defence in high-risk environments. They work using pulse induction, with a coil of wire on one side of the arch acting as both the transmitter and receiver. This technology sends short bursts of current through the coil, generating a magnetic field. When the pulse ends, the magnetic field reverses and collapses, creating an electrical spike.

Metal detectors are able to detect even the smallest metallic items with precision. They are multi-zone, meaning they can detect multiple objects and display all the areas where they are found. This makes it easier for security personnel to locate the object.

While metal detectors are an important security measure, they are not the only tool used in airports. TSA officers are also crucial, as they are trained to interpret the signals from metal detectors and decide whether additional screening is necessary. Their expertise ensures that security threats are identified and dealt with efficiently.

Despite the radiation created by metal detectors, it is non-ionizing and does not cause biological damage. This means that repeated exposure to metal detectors does not pose a radiation risk.

Frequently asked questions