What technology is commonly used for screening baggage?

X-ray machines are the standard technology used for screening baggage in security settings, such as airports. These machines allow security personnel to visually inspect the contents of bags and packages without having to open them physically. The X-rays penetrate the baggage and produce images that highlight different materials based on their density and atomic composition, allowing for the identification of potential threats, such as weapons or explosives.

While magnetic resonance imaging is a powerful diagnostic tool in medical fields, it is not applicable for screening baggage due to its complexity and the need for specific environments. Infrared cameras are useful for detecting heat signatures and are typically employed in surveillance and fire detection rather than as primary baggage screening tools. Ultrasound devices can provide imaging for various applications, but they are not widely used for baggage screening due to limitations in their ability to penetrate dense materials effectively. Consequently, X-ray machines remain the most efficient and widely adopted method for security screening of baggage.