Scientists find Camera that looks through clothing

A camera that can see explosives, drugs and weapons hidden under clothing from 25 metres has been invented. The ThruVision system could be deployed at airports, railway stations or other public spaces. It is based on so-called terahertz, or T-ray, technology, normally used by astronomers to study dying stars.

Although it is able to see through clothes it does not reveal body detail or subject people to harmful radiation, according to the designers. These are able to pass through clothing, paper, ceramics and wood but are blocked by metal and water.

The portable camera, which has already been sold to the Dubai Mercantile Exchange and Canary Wharf in London, will be shown off at the Home Office scientific development branch's annual exhibition later this week. This electromagnetic radiation is a form of low level energy emitted by all people and objects.