Camera 'looks' through clothing (BBC) {Terahertz rays; passive only}

[eppur_se_muova]

A camera that can "see" explosives, drugs and weapons hidden under clothing from 25 metres has been invented.

The ThruVision system could be deployed at airports, railway stations or other public spaces.

It is based on so-called "terahertz", or T-ray, technology, normally used by astronomers to study dying stars.

Although it is able to see through clothes it does not reveal "body detail" or subject people to "harmful radiation", according to the designers.

"It is totally and utterly passive - it receives only," said a spokesperson for Thruvision.
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more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7287135.stm

Terahertz technology has been lingering in the background for the last several years; looks like it has finally made its way out of the R/D labs. Should be MUCH preferable to X-ray backscatter, since there is no artificial radiation source.

[Puckster]

1. It can see through clothes, but they're saying it doesn't irradiate you?!?!

Creepy, and scary. They'll be able to see my parasitic twin next time I go through security!:rofl:

[eppur_se_muova]

2. As long as your parasitic twin has paid for a ticket, s/he should be fine. nt

[Speck Tater]

3. Like ultrasound, it's sound waves, not X-rays. NT

[caraher]

4. Wrong. These are low-frequency electromagnetic radiation

From link in OP: "This electromagnetic radiation is a form of low level energy emitted by all people and objects."

"Terahertz" simply means "trillion Hertz," which is the frequency of the radiation. Certainly one can make sound waves at a THz frequency, but that is not what this devices detects. Every object at any appreciable temperature above absolute zero emits this radiation, so there's no need to "zap" anyone with them.

[Indenturedebtor]

5. This reminds me of Total Recall

Coolness :P

Guess I'll have to stop wearing my penis ring in public though :(