Millimeter Wave
Innovation & Technology
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Whole Body Imaging
Millimeter Wave Technology, another form of body-imaging technology, uses non-ionizing electromagnetic waves to generate an image based on the energy reflected from the body.
The images generated through millimeter wave are lower-resolution than that of x-ray backscatter, and as a result, privacy may be less of a concern for the traveling public.
TSA anticipates that both "passive" and "active" millimeter wave technology will be deployed at pilot sites in the near future.
TSA plans to partner with the U.S Coast Guard and a major city ferry to use tripod-mounted passive millimeter-wave sensor systems, which are designed to detect explosives, including IEDs, concealed on individuals.
During the pilot, passengers will move through terminal turnstiles at their normal pace while being screened. Passengers will not be asked to stand in place, nor will they even need to break stride.
Separately, TSA anticipates piloting active millimeter wave body-imaging technology at one or more U.S. airport checkpoints. Much like the backscatter pilot currently underway, passengers will be asked, on a voluntary basis, to stand for a millimeter wave scan.
