VTT develops innovative security scanner
Lehtikuva/Martti Kainulainen VTT’s new technology enables the measuring of Terahertz radiation emitted by the human body. In addition to metals, the scanner also helps to detect other materials such as narcotics and explosives.The technology which is being developed in collaboration with MilliLab enables passive imaging, which means that the sensors detect Terahertz radiation emissions of, for example, a human body without using separate sources of radiation to illuminate the target. In addition to metals the detection technology covers other materials, enabling the detection of hidden narcotic substances or explosives.
The use of a body scanner, which is based on x-rays, has not been approved on airports, because it has raised issues of person’s privacy and health. There are no health risks involved in the use of the passive Terahertz camera, since its operation is based on the heat radiation emitted by the human body. Furthermore, the temperature map can not be used for creating a picture of a naked body.
– We are able to create a temperature map of the body and through any deviations detect explosives, weapons or other dangerous items concealed under clothing, says VTT’s Research Professor Arttu Luukanen.
In addition to security applications the technology can be applied in space astronomy. The project is being financed by the European Office of Aerospace Research and Development, EOARD, an affiliate of the United States Air Force.
www.vtt.fi
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