How X-ray Baggage Scanners Work

You’re organizing your baggage on the conveyor belt of an X-ray baggage scanner at airport security. Then, you stop and play with your phone instead. Through that scrolling, you suddenly get curious, what happened to your baggage inside the scanner?

These machines can scan millions of bags daily, making sure you have a safe traveling experience. But how exactly do they work?

Look no further; this article will discuss what’s inside X-ray baggage scanners, from the technology, key components, and how they translate into a clear picture of what’s hidden inside your luggage.

So, buckle up and get ready to see how the X-ray baggage scanner machine works!

What Is an X-Ray Scanner?

An X-ray scanner is a device that uses a form of electromagnetic radiation. The radiation is similar to visible light but with much higher energy that enables X-rays to have a unique property regular light doesn’t have: penetration.

Regular light bounces off most objects, which is why we can see things. X-rays, however, have enough energy to pass through some materials.

Back then, the X-ray scanner technology aimed to study human anatomy. Now, it plays a vital role in ensuring security in various applications.

For security purposes, you’ll find various benefits of X-ray baggage scanners, including better threat detection, improved efficiency, and non-invasive inspection.

How X-ray Baggage Scanners Work

While applications of X-ray baggage scanners can differ – used in airports, courthouses, or even inspecting cargo shipments – the underlying process is quite similar.

It involves the item placement, the creation of X-rays, their interaction with the scanned object, and alert generation when the detector identifies anomalies.

Let’s get into the details below!

You can also go straight to the bonus infographic section if you prefer a visual text experience on How X-ray Baggage Scanners Work (Infographic)

Initial Setup and Baggage Placement

Passengers place their bags and belongings on the conveyor belt at the security checkpoint. Once the items are placed, the conveyor belt starts moving, transporting the baggage towards the scanning tunnel.

As the baggage enters the tunnel, sensors may trigger the X-ray generator to start the scanning process.

The Scanning Process

During this process, the X-ray generator produces X-rays that penetrate the baggage.

Depending on the scanner, the generator may produce single or dual-energy beams. Dual-energy X-rays can differentiate between materials based on their density and atomic composition, improving detection capabilities.

When scanning luggage, X-rays don’t treat all materials equally.

Denser materials, like bones in our body or metal in luggage, tend to absorb X-rays more effectively. Conversely, less dense materials, like soft tissue or air, allow X-rays to pass through more easily.

Then, the scanner creates an image based on how much X-ray radiation each part of your bag absorbs. Denser objects, like a laptop or a water bottle, show up as darker areas, while less dense materials like clothes appear lighter.

Image Analysis

The detectors, positioned opposite the X-ray source, capture the X-rays that have passed through the baggage. These components convert the X-ray energy into electrical signals, which then are processed to form a digital image displayed on the control console.

Advanced algorithms can improve the images by adjusting contrast, highlighting edges, and applying color coding to differentiate materials, such as organic, inorganic, and metallic items.

The processed images are displayed on monitors for security personnel to review.

Threat Detection and Alert Generation

Security personnel carefully examine the images to identify any potential threats.

However, some scanners have automated threat detection software that uses artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to analyze the images and spot anomalies.

If the automated system or the operator detects a suspicious item, an alert is generated. They can be visual (flashing on the screen), auditory (beeps or alarms), or both, depending on the system.

Key Components of X-ray Baggage Scanners

Now that we’ve explored what an X-ray scanner is and how it works, let’s delve into important parts that make this process possible.

This scanner may look like magic, but it’s actually like a team effort – different parts working together to see what’s inside your bag:

• X-ray generator. It produces the X-rays necessary for imaging the contents of baggage.

• Conveyor belt. This element transports baggage through the scanning tunnel. It moves at a controlled speed to ensure optimal exposure to X-rays.

• Tunnel. The enclosed tunnel makes sure the baggage gets a consistent and controlled dose of X-rays during the scanning process.

• Detectors. These capture the X-rays that pass through the baggage and convert them into electrical signals, which are then processed to form images.

• Image Processing Unit (IPU). This unit processes the electrical signals from the detectors and converts them into digital images. It will use techniques such as contrast adjustment and color coding to highlight different materials and potential threats.

• Display and control console. The display screen presents the processed X-ray images to the security personnel. The control console allows operators to manage the scanning process.

• Radiation shielding and safety features. These protect operators and the public from harmful radiation. The shielding materials, such as lead-lined walls, ensure that radiation levels remain within safe limits.