New Security Camera Uses T-Rays to See Under Clothes March 10, 2008
Reuters reports that a new camera can see under people's clothes from up to 25 meters away. A company called ThruVision has created the device that uses "passive imaging technology" to identify objects by the Terahertz or T-rays they emit. T-rays are natural electromagnetic rays emitted by all objects. Wikipedia has an informative entry on terahertz radiation. ThruVision's T-500 camera uses T-rays to identify objects such as a hidden knife a person may be carrying.
The high-powered camera can detect hidden objects from up to 80 feet away and is effective even when people are moving. It does not reveal physical body details and the screening is harmless, the company says.
The technology, which has military and civilian applications and could be used in crowded airports, shopping malls or sporting events, will be unveiled at a scientific development exhibition sponsored by Britain's Home Office on March 12-13.
"Acts of terrorism have shaken the world in recent years and security precautions have been tightened globally," said Clive Beattie, the chief executive of ThruVision.
"The ability to see both metallic and non-metallic items on people out to 25 meters is certainly a key capability that will enhance any comprehensive security system."
This is certainly going to increase privacy concerns as these cameras start being used places. On the plus side at least it doesn't blast people with dangerous x-rays like the all too revealing full-body x-ray scanner that was being considered for U.S. airport at one point in time.
