New passenger scanner uses space technology to speed up airport security

New passenger scanner uses space technology to speed up airport security
Credit: Cardiff University


The walk-through scanner, which uses to image human body heat, is the result of a collaboration between Sequestim Ltd. and Cardiff University scientists.




"Passenger numbers are expected to double in 20 years, putting airport security facilities under immense pressure," said Ken Wood, Sales and Marketing Director of Sequestim Ltd, a joint venture between Cardiff University and QMC Instruments Ltd.

"Our scanner combines a number of world-leading technologies developed by our team here in the UK. It uses the human body as a source of "light", in contrast with existing scanners which process reflected and scattered millimetre-waves while the is required to strike a pose."  

Credit: Cardiff University






"The detector technology was originally developed to study the most distant astronomical phenomena. For example, we study how stars are born from gigantic clouds of gas and dust," explained Mr Wood.

New passenger scanner uses space technology to speed up airport security
Credit: Cardiff University

"It detects millimetre-waves, which are just like visible light but at a wavelength more than one thousand times longer. The ability of the scanner to reveal hidden objects has also attracted interest from Border Force, responsible for the UK's frontline border control operations at air, sea and rail ports.



Cardiff Airport was bought by Welsh Government for £52m in 2013. Nearly 1.5m passengers passed through the in 2017. The trial of the passenger in December represents a first for Wales, and a local collaboration with enormous impact potential.

First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones, said: "Welsh Government and Cardiff Airport are delighted to be hosting the proof-of-concept trial of Sequestim's innovative technology. This cutting-edge camera not only promises a huge improvement in our experience of air travel, but also brings with it the prospect of job creation as Sequestim aims to manufacture future scanners here in Wales."


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Provided by Cardiff University
Citation: New passenger scanner uses space technology to speed up airport security (2018, December 4) retrieved 23 July 2021 from https://phys.org/news/2018-12-passenger-scanner-space-technology-airport.html

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