(Jan. 22, 2010) Active millimeter-wave imaging combines a source of millimeter wave energy with a detector and works as radar does, “illuminating” the area to be searched with millimeter waves and then imaging the reflected waves. This technology uses low energy, low intensity reflected x-rays to scan an object to generate an image.

Product: Whole Body Active Millimeter Wave Imager

Description and Applications: Active millimeter wave imaging combines a source of millimeter wave energy with a detector and works as radar does, “illuminating” the area to be searched with millimeter waves and then imaging the reflected waves. This technology uses low energy, low intensity reflected x-rays to scan an object to generate an image. The active millimeter wave imaging technology penetrates clothing and packaging to reveal and pinpoint hidden weapons, explosives, drugs and other contraband. Power levels are low and the radiation penetrates only to skin depth.

Main Brands:

1) L3 Communications – ProVision

2) Smith Detection – Eqo

Radiation Description: Millimeter waves are non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation located between the microwave and infrared portions of the spectrum.

Radiation Dose: Electromagnetic waves are generally between 30 and 300 GHz with wavelengths ranging from 1 to 10 mm.

Competing Technologies:

Whole Body Imaging Backscatter Technology
Whole Body Imaging Passive Millimeter Wave Technology
Whole Body Imaging Dielectric Portal Technology

Health Concerns: Experts say that there are no health risks associated with active millimeter wave technology.

Cost: Approx. $170,000 – $250,000 each

Detection Limitations: Cannot detect objects concealed inside the body or in skin flaps and cannot identify the chemical composition of the material; therefore the operator will not be able to determine specifically that an object is an explosive.

Public Resistance: Public is concerned that no long-term safety testing has ever been conducted by a third party. There have been no clinical trials indicating that multiple exposures to such millimeter waves, accumulated over a long period of time, are safe for humans. Passengers are likely to object to their images being displayed to the operator and possibly someone else.

Olena Loskutova, Energy Probe, January 22, 2010