Written on March 11, 2008 – 3:47 am | by Bogdan Alex |
You have to love the absurdly restrictive security measures introduced in airports all around the globe especially after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Sure, the threats are there somewhere, but the measures have become one of the biggest concerns for frequent travelers.

For some decades now, airports have been using the notorious metal detectors combined with X-ray scanners and a host of security cameras in order to ensure no weapons, explosives, drugs and other criminal arsenal get smuggled onto aircrafts. These measures are efficient to some extent, but prove to be very cumbersome for the occasional travelers. Not to worry anymore, British company ThruVision brings forth their latest gadget – the T-ray camera.

This new type of optical device can see through clothes and can easily detect hidden objects. Codenamed T5000, it’s said to be the first commercial T-ray camera for both indoors and outdoors environments. The camera basically uses T-rays, or terahertz electromagnetic rays, to passively detect objects by reading the natural waves produced by each type of material. The camera is sensitive enough to identify objects underneath clothing from up to 80 feet away and is particularly effective while people are moving. However, this is not going to be of any help for all you voyeuristic dudes out there; you have your Amsterdam security system. The T-ray camera only produces a silhouette that appears as a clothed body shape with areas of different intensities.

ThruVision states that their T-ray project is deeply rooted into the research conducted by the European Space Agency. Astronomers use the terahertz rays in order to see beyond the interstellar dust and nebulae.
Expect these gizmos to be implemented in an airport near youpretty soon, ridding you of all that checkpoint hassle.