Body scanners, specifically millimeter-wave scanners, use non-ionizing radiation in the form of low-level radio waves to create a 3D image of a person's body. Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Millimeter-Wave Technology Explained
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Non-Ionizing Radiation: The scanners emit millimeter waves, which are a type of radio wave. Crucially, this type of radiation is non-ionizing, meaning it doesn't have enough energy to remove electrons from atoms and damage DNA, unlike X-rays.
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Scanning Process:
- A millimeter-wave body scanner utilizes two antennas that rotate around a person.
- These antennas emit millimeter waves that bounce off the body.
- The scanner detects and analyzes these reflected waves.
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Image Construction: The data from the reflected waves is used to construct a three-dimensional image of the person's body. This image highlights any concealed objects under clothing. The resulting image resembles a fuzzy photo negative.
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Image Display: The image generated by the scanner is typically sent to a remote monitor viewed by security personnel. This allows them to identify potential threats without direct physical contact.
In essence, body scanners leverage the reflection of radio waves to "see" through clothing and detect hidden objects, while using a safe, non-ionizing form of radiation.
