Inventing a camera that sees through objects deserves an Inspiration Award

The impossible becomes actualized on a daily basis with technology. Who would have thought that we would one day be able to unleash our inner superhero powers with tech to see through walls. Early in 2013, Electronic Products reported the developments of Georgios Trichopoulos and his mentor, Professor Kubilay Sertel, at Ohio State University. These two talented researchers created a camera that can see through practically any material.

Electronic Products identified this invention as one of the year’s best technologies, and presented Trichopoulos and Sertel with an Inspiration Award. Hats off to these two creatively intelligent individuals who had the skillset and expertise to craft such an awesome tech product!

From photographing objects to human bodies, this camera has myriad health and safety benefits. The camera’s operating video format allows for the elimination of the three-second pause that occurs during airport security screenings. This technology will be a great help to security officials in airports, ensuring that the all passengers boarding flights are not armed and dangerous. The wavelength between infrared and radio, terahertz, are used that emit non-cancerous radiation. In contrast to x-ray machines, these wavelengths are safer, but similarly expose a range of materials including metals and liquids. The camera’s onboard sensor consists of tiny antennas that pick up the terahertz radiation, and diffuse it at the object that requires scanning. When the radiation is picked up, the camera transforms it into pixels.

Other uses include detecting tumors and other internal bodily maladies.

Congrats to Trichopoulos and Sertel on their Inspiration Award winning innovation. Keep on trucking, and continue to make our jaws drop in the future by making the impossible happen.