Imaging in airport security: Past, present, future, and the link to forensic and clinical radiology

After an introduction to the beginnings of x-ray screening of baggage 41 years ago, this review article gives an overview of the state-of-the-art in imaging in security at airports as well as an outlook into future developments in this area. The imaging technologies discussed range from dual-energy x-ray systems to computed tomography and terahertz scanners. A PubMed search of “radiology” and “airport” revealed 36 scientific articles covering interdisciplinary topics ranging between imaging in airport security and forensic/clinical imaging. Apart from relying on the same technologies, common research interests and initiatives appear to be most fruitful in human factors aspects that are concerned with x-ray and CT image interpretation. By sharing the knowledge between disciplines, scientists, practitioners, and regulators can learn and benefit from each other.