(Jan. 22, 2010) Passive millimeter wave technology is based on the principle that any object not in absolute zero temperature will emit electromagnetic energy at all wavelengths.

Product: Whole Body Passive Millimeter Wave Imager

Description and Applications: Passive millimeter wave technology is based on the principle that any object not at absolute zero temperature will emit electromagnetic energy at all wavelengths. These systems operate in the near 100 gigahertz range. The energy released by an object is sensed by a receiver and converted to an image. An important feature of this technology is its ability to accomplish imaging by gathering the radiation emitted naturally from the human body without introducing artificial radiation, which is why no health risks are associated with this technology. A passive millimeter wave imager detects the contrast of thermal energy between a human body and an explosive or other weapon.

Main Brands:
1) Rapiscan Systems: Rapiscan WaveScan 200
2) Millivision: Millivision Portal System 350, Millivision Walk-by System 350 and Millivision Stand-off System 350
3) Brijot Imaging System Inc: Gen2, MobileScan and SafeScreen

Radiation Description: No transmission of radiation or energy of any kind.

Radiation Dose: None

Competing Products:

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

Health Concerns: None

Cost: approximately $150,000 – $180,000

Detection Limitations: The system cannot identify the chemical composition of a material. Also, it cannot detect objects concealed inside the body or in skin flaps.

Public Resistance: Passive imaging technologies do not draw public resistance due to health effects because these technologies scan for radiation naturally emitted by the human body. Privacy concerns stemming from a potential misuse of scans remain.

Olena Loskutova, Energy Probe, January 22, 2010