The Transportation Security Administration could soon be screening passengers at a much faster rate with new equipment enabling passive screening from several feet away.
Dubbed ‘passive terahertz’ screening, it can handle non-invasive screening of multiple passengers at a time from a distance of 25 feet away.
The equipment is produced by UK-based Thruvision.
The TSA has ordered several units which will be initially tested in a TSA facility.
If successful, a pilot program will roll out at some US airports.
"It’s 100% passive. There is no radiation coming out of our device. You don’t have to stand directly in front of the device," said Kevin Gramer, vice president of Thruvision Americas.
Terahertz technology is similar to thermal imaging, Gramer says.
The company says it can handle screening of up to 2,000 people per hour.
It is able to detect a hidden item up to 25 feet away.
Gramer says the machines can be used alongside existing screening equipment, but can effectively replace it in the future.
Thruvision used the equipment to screen fans at the Ariana Grande tribute concert in Manchester, UK.
The original concert months earlier killed 23 people and wounded 139 others in a suicide bombing.
