Ruth Haines
Airport scanners use Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) and millimeter wave imaging to detect metallic and non-metallic objects on passengers. This technology is safe and does not show detailed images of a person's body. The process is straightforward: a passenger steps into the machine, places their feet on footprints, raises their arms, and the machine scans their body. If prohibited items are detected, an officer is alerted, and the passenger may be pulled aside for further checks.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Technology | Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) |
| Type of Scanner | Millimeter wave scanner |
| Purpose | Detect metallic and non-metallic threats |
| Privacy | Generic body outline displayed, protecting passenger identity |
| Safety | Non-ionizing radiation, 10,000 times less energy than a standard cellphone |
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What You'll Learn
Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT)
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Millimeter wave imaging
Millimeter-wave imaging is a type of whole-body imaging technology used in airport security scanners. It works by directing millimeter wave energy at a person and interpreting the reflected energy to create a 3D image. This image is displayed on a remote monitor for analysis, with any potential threats highlighted.
Millimeter-wave scanners come in two varieties: active and passive. Active scanners direct millimeter wave energy at the subject and interpret the reflected energy, while passive systems create images using only ambient radiation and radiation emitted from the human body or objects. In active scanners, the millimeter wave is transmitted from two antennas simultaneously as they rotate around the body.
The technology was first developed in the 1960s by researchers at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) in Richland, Washington. They patented their 3-D holographic-imagery technology in the 1990s, with support from the TSA and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In 2002, Silicon Valley startup SafeView, Inc. licensed this technology and developed a production-ready millimeter body scanner system.
Millimeter-wave scanners have been implemented in airports around the world, including Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam and Las Vegas Airport. The technology has also been licensed for various applications beyond airport security, such as custom safety equipment, ergonomic applications, entertainment, and non-destructive evaluation.
It's important to note that privacy and health concerns have been raised about millimeter-wave imaging technology. To address privacy concerns, the U.S. Congress prohibited the display of detailed images, requiring the use of generic body outlines instead. Regarding health concerns, millimeter-wave radiation is non-ionizing and has significantly lower energy levels compared to other forms of radiation. To date, there is no clear evidence of harmful effects beyond localized heating and associated chemical changes.
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Privacy protections
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has strict privacy standards in place when using advanced imaging technology. Advanced imaging technology uses automated target recognition software that eliminates passenger-specific images and instead auto-detects potential threats by indicating their location on a generic outline of a person. This generic outline is identical for all passengers and does not pick up size, weight, nipples, genitalia, or height. If there is no alarm, officers don't see anything at all—simply a screen reading "OK".
TSA's Secure Flight program collects the minimum amount of personal information, such as full name, date of birth, and sex, necessary to conduct effective matching against trusted traveler lists and watchlists. Personal data is collected, used, distributed, stored, and disposed of according to stringent guidelines.
Despite these protections, some experts have raised concerns about the inherent risks of privacy violations and bias associated with facial recognition systems used at airports. While airports claim to use travelers' photos only for security identification and then delete them, the expansion of this technology beyond airports to other venues may lead to the recording and storage of biometric data without proper consent or federal regulation.
Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide their comfort level with the technology being used. If you have concerns about privacy, you may consider opting out of facial recognition technology at the airport, although this may not always be possible.
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Non-metallic threats
Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT) scanners, also known as body scanners, are used to detect non-metallic threats on a person's body. AIT scanners, such as millimeter-wave scanners, can safely screen passengers without physical contact for metallic and non-metallic threats, including weapons and explosives, which may be concealed under clothing.
X-ray scanners are another crucial tool for airport security, primarily used for screening baggage. They produce detailed images of the contents within luggage, allowing security personnel to identify prohibited items such as weapons, explosives, and contraband. Single-view scanners provide a single-perspective image, while multi-view scanners offer multiple angles, increasing the likelihood of detecting hidden threats.
Explosives Detection Systems (EDS) are specifically designed to identify traces of explosive materials on passengers, in their luggage, or in cargo. These systems employ various technologies, including chemical sensors, ion mobility spectrometry (IMS), and computed tomography (CT) scanners, to detect explosives effectively.
In addition to these technologies, biometric systems are becoming increasingly prevalent in airports. These systems rely on unique biological characteristics, such as fingerprints, facial recognition, and iris scans, to verify identities. By enhancing security and expediting the passenger screening process, biometric systems reduce the need for manual identity checks, thereby improving accuracy and efficiency.
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Medical devices
Airport security systems use various technologies to ensure the safety of passengers and staff. These include metal detectors, backscatter X-ray machines, millimetre wave scanners, and cabinet X-ray machines. These machines are designed to detect prohibited items such as drugs, explosives, weapons, and other security threats.
If you have a medical device on your body, it is important to inform the Transportation Security Officer (TSO) before entering the scanner. While some medical devices may not set off the alarms, others might, and you may be pulled aside for a more detailed check.
Airport scanners can detect metallic objects, and the image on the screen will show different colours depending on the material. Metal objects typically appear as dark green or blue, while paper, food, or cloth appear as dull orange. The scanners can also detect non-metallic objects, and some can create 3D X-ray images of items in your luggage.
Millimetre wave scanners, which are commonly used in the United States, use non-ionizing radiation in the form of low-level radio waves. These scanners do not use X-rays and pose minimal health risks. They create a 3D image that is sent to a remote monitor, and if there is no alarm, officers do not see the image. Instead, they see a simple OK on the screen, protecting your privacy.
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