Holographic imaging scans for trouble. .

PositionSecurity.

A holographic imaging system that is designed to identify rapidly hidden weapons, explosives, and other contraband--even plastic, ceramic, and other nonmetallic weapons--through clothing is the cornerstone of an effort to commercialize the technology for a variety of security applications. Using millimeter waves to generate holographic images, it was developed by the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Wash., for the Federal Aviation Administration to scan airline passengers as they pass through airport security checkpoints.

The holographic imaging system is distinctly different from current surveillance systems that rely on metal detectors, X-ray imaging, and, in some cases, strip searches. Metal detectors cannot screen for plastic or ceramic weapons, plastic explosives, or other types of nonmetallic contraband, while X-ray imaging subjects people to potentially harmful ionizing radiation.

"We believe that the imaging system has enormous potential for use in screening people at points of entry to mass transit systems, including airports, subways, and trains; border crossings; government installations such as courtrooms, military bases, prisons, embassies, and office buildings; crowded public places such as sports arenas, concert halls, and museums; and commercial buildings," maintains Mike Lyons, chairman of SafeView, Menlo Park, Calif., which is helping to establish holographic imaging system product development.

"While the technology was developed to identify dangerous objects or contraband that...

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