Smile, you're on millimeter wave camera

(Credit: QinetiQ)

The Transportation Security Administration has purchased a dozen cameras that use millimeter wave technology and sophisticated algorithms to screen crowds of rapidly moving travelers for weapons from up to 20 meters away.

The SPO threat detection system made by QinetiQ measures waves "naturally emitted by the human body," exposing "cold" objects such as metal, plastic, or ceramics concealed under clothing. A red light on the system's display alerts the operator if you're packing, so there's no need to rely on interpreting images on a screen. It also means no one is ogling your naked body, which was one of the objections when similar technology was deployed at Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport last October.

(Credit: TSA)

This imaging technology is safe; the "passive" millimeter wave system generates no emissions itself, but creates an image from reflected body energy, according to the company. Still, if you're nostalgic for the vintage, step-through experience, you can always try this personal fold-up portable metal detector by CI Tech.

[KieronAlsmith]

I'm curious how these Millimeter Wave cameras will be able to detect "cold" objects that are positioned opposite the humans they are scanning. From what it sounds like, these cameras look at disturbances in human-light emissions - meaning the waves radiating FROM the human body. That leads to the conclusion that they rely on line-of-sight. Good ol' x-rays and metal-detectors send their signals completely through you, so as long as you walk through the box, anything that absorbs or distrubs the signal -- even inside of you -- will trigger the alarm.
So. It seems to me that TSA will need to place these Millimeter Wave Cameras to literally "cover all the angles." That, or the technology is not nearly as passive as QinetiQ suggests.

[billmosby]

Not all that hard to cover all angles. What would it take? Maybe 6 of them or so.