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Imaging Technology

Innovation & Technology

TSA began deploying state-of-the-art advanced imaging technologies in 2007. This technology can detect a wide range of threats to transportation security in a matter of seconds to protect passengers and crews. Imaging technology is an integral part of TSA's effort to continually look for new technologies that help ensure travel remains safe and secure by staying ahead of evolving threats.

TSA uses two types of imaging technology, millimeter wave and backscatter. Currently, there are 74 imaging technology units at 27 airports.

In March 2010, TSA began deploying 450 advanced imaging technology units, which were purchased with American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds.

Advanced imaging technology screening is safe for all passengers, and the technology meets national health and safety standards. Backscatter technology was evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), and results confirmed that radiation doses are well below those specified by the American National Standards Institute. The amount of radiation from backscatter screening is equivalent to two minutes of flight on an airplane, and the energy projected by millimeter wave technology is 10,000 times less than a cell phone transmission.

TSA has implemented strict measures to protect passenger privacy, which is ensured through the anonymity of the image. The image cannot be stored, transmitted or printed, and is deleted immediately once viewed. Additionally, advanced imaging technology screening is optional to all passengers.

How the Technology Works

Backscatter

Backscatter technology projects low level X-ray beams over the body to create a reflection of the body displayed on the monitor.

Millimeter Wave

Millimeter wave technology bounces harmless electromagnetic waves off the body to create a black and white three-dimensional image.

What TSA Sees

Photo of Millimeter Wave imaging technology

Millimeter wave technology produces an image that resembles a fuzzy photo negative.
Backscatter technology produces an image that resembles a chalk etching.
Both technologies are viewed by a Transportation Security Officer in a remote, secure location.

Safety Features

Advanced imaging technology is safe and meets national health and safety standards.
Backscatter technology was evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH), the National Institute for Science and Technology (NIST), and the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL).
All results confirmed that the radiation doses for the individuals being screened, operators, and bystanders were well below the dose limits specified by the American National Standards Institute.
For comparison, the energy projected by millimeter wave technology is 10,000 times less than a cell phone transmission.
A single scan using backscatter technology produces exposure equivalent to two minutes of flying on an airplane.

Protecting Passenger Privacy

Strict privacy safeguards are built into the foundation of TSA’s use of advanced imaging technology to protect passenger privacy and ensure anonymity.
The officer who assists the passenger never sees the image the technology produces.
The officer who views the image is remotely located, in a secure resolution room and never sees the passenger.
To further protect passenger privacy, millimeter wave technology blurs all facial features and backscatter has an algorithm applied to the entire image.
The two officers communicate via wireless headset. Once the remotely located officer determines threat items are not present, that officer communicates wirelessly to the officer assisting the passenger. The passenger may then continue through the security process.
Advanced imaging technology cannot store, print, transmit or save the image.
Officers evaluating images are not permitted to take cameras, cell phones or photo-enabled devices into the resolution room.
Each image is automatically deleted from the system after it is cleared by the remotely located security officer.

What to Expect

Each passenger will walk into the imaging portal. Once inside, they will be asked to stand in different positions and remain still for just a few moments while the technology creates an image of the passenger in real time.
Once complete, the passenger will exit the opposite side of the portal.
Advanced imaging technology does not store, print, transmit or save the image. All machines have zero storage capability and all images are automatically deleted from the system after they are reviewed by the remotely located security officer.

What are my Options?

Advanced imaging technology screening is optional for all passengers.
Passengers who do not wish to utilize this screening will receive an equal level of screening, including a physical pat-down.
Multiple signs informing passengers about the technology, including sample images, are displayed in plain sight at the security checkpoints, in front of the advanced imaging units.
Many passengers prefer advanced imaging technology. In fact, over 98 percent of passengers who encounter this technology during TSA pilots prefer it over other screening options.
Additionally, passengers with joint replacements or other medical devices that would regularly alarm a metal detector often prefer this technology because it is quicker and less-invasive than a pat down.

Detection

This walk-through imaging technology efficiently detects metallic and non-metallic threats, including weapons, explosives and other items that a passenger is carrying on his/her person, without physical contact.

Where It Is

Airports receiving technologies soon:

Boise Airport
Brownsville/South Padre Island International Airport
Buffalo Niagara International Airport
Corpus Christi International Airport
El Paso International Airport
Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport
Harlingen/Valley International Airport
Houston William P. Hobby Airport
La Guardia International Airport
Laredo International Airport
Lihue Airport
Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport
McAllen Miller Airport
Mineta San José International Airport
Oakland International Airport
Omaha Eppley Airfield Airport
Orlando International Airport
Pittsburgh International Airport
Reno-Tahoe International Airport
San Diego International Airport
Spokane International Airport
T. F. Green International Airport

Airports who currently have technologies:

Albuquerque International Sunport Airport
Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
Boston Logan International Airport
Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Chicago O'Hare International Airport
Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport
Denver International Airport
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport
Detroit Metro Airport
Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
Fort Wayne International Airport
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport
Indianapolis International Airport
Jacksonville International Airport
Kansas City International Airport
Los Angeles International Airport
McCarran International Airport
Miami International Airport
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport
Port Columbus International Airport
Raleigh-Durham International Airport
Richmond International Airport
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport
Salt Lake City International Airport
San Francisco International Airport
Tampa International Airport
Tulsa International Airport

Other Advanced Imaging Technology Deployments

Domestic locations:

Colorado Springs Court House (CO)
Cook County Court House (IL)
Department of Corrections facility (PA)
Douglas County Colorado Justice Center
Montana State Prison
Utah State Correctional Facility

International locations:

Advanced imaging technology is used in hundreds of locations around the world in aviation and mass transit environments, including Canada, France, the Netherlands, Nigeria and the United Kingdom.