Is that a gun in your pocket?

The new scanner at LAX -- advanced security tool or virtual strip search? It's both, and while the feds love millimeter wave imaging, the new technology has a lot of people really nervous, and weighing their options. Dan Weikel and Rong-Gong Lin II explain:

Millimeter wave pictures are white and dark gray. Though somewhat fuzzy, they are detailed enough to reveal bulges in the body, such as the shape of a breast or muscle. The machine uses radio waves to create an image from energy reflected from the human body.

This results in a 3-D image that essentially shows how the person looks without clothing. It also shows hidden objects such as guns and explosives.

If you get cut from the herd for extra attention, you can either enter the machine, assume a few positions and wait while someone you've never met and can't see looks through your clothes at an image of your body, or go for the old-fashioned pat-down search. So far, the TSA says 80% of travelers opt for the machine. The full story is here. (Photo gallery too.)

--Veronique de Turenne

Photo: Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[Dalya]

Dear Sir / MAdam.

I am pregnant at 6 and half and I subjected to this machine (millimeter waves) which scann a person naked as I know, I have a big concern whether this machine affeting my baby or cuase ant deformity for her? I am very grateful if you could explain for me the danger of this machine on the baby.... I am very worried about that.

thank you very much for your cooperation

Dalya