How are X-rays used in airport security scanners?

In airport security, X-rays are used in baggage scanners to inspect the contents of luggage without opening it.

Here’s how they work:

1. X-ray penetration
   • The luggage passes through a tunnel where an X-ray beam is directed at it.
   • Different materials absorb X-rays differently depending on their density and composition.
2. Detection and imaging
   • A detector on the opposite side of the bag measures how much X-ray passes through.
   • A computer processes this data to create a detailed image of the bag’s contents.
3. Color coding for materials
   • Many modern scanners display organic materials (like food or paper) in one color, metals in another, and mixed materials in a third.
   • This helps security officers quickly identify suspicious items, explosives, or prohibited objects.
4. Dual-energy scanning
   • Some systems use two X-ray beams of different energies to better distinguish between harmless and dangerous substances.
5. Non-intrusive inspection
   • Passengers’ bags are checked thoroughly without physical searches unless the scan shows something unusual.