TSA Has Launched 3D CT Scanners in the Airports

TSA, the Transportation Security Administration of the USA, has launched new 3D CT scanning facilities to scan carry-on bags in the airports. They have started using the CT scanners in JFK airport in New York and the airports in Phoenix and Boston. So far, airportsaround the globeare using X-ray scanners, which produce 2D images of the carry-on bags. We cannot see all the objects inside the bags using 2D images. That is why, airport security staff ask passengers to remove laptops and tablets from the bags and keep them in separate trays to scan. The laptops can conceal the small objects like knives beneath them. 

(Analogic TSA CT Scanner. Picture Courtesy: Analogic)

CT (computed tomography) scanners can generate 3D image of the objects inside the bags. We can rotate the 3D image to see every object thoroughly. So, passengers do not need to remove laptops, other electronic devices and liquid bottles from their bags. It may reduce the security checking time in the airports. It may also decrease the frustrating experience of going through the security checkpoints at the airports. 

3D CT scanners are predominantly used for medical purpose to view the bones and the internal organs of the human and animals. It uses X-ray to scan around the body to create 3D and 360 degree view of the bones and the internal organs. While the conventional X-ray radiography produce 2D image of the bones, CT scanners produce cross section of the bones and the internal organs, in addition to the 3D images. With the CT scanners at the airports, TSA agents can check all the objects inside the carry-on bags without opening the bags. 

According to CBS news, 15 airports in the USA will use these scanners by the end of this year and TSA is going to buy 240 scanners in 2019. Totally 2000 CT scanners are required to cover all the airport checkpoints in the USA.  I hope the airports in the other countries will also gradually start to use this scanner.