How do airport metal detectors work?

Answer by  Ronaldo91 (345)

Metal detectors work by producing alternating magnetic fields which induce magnetism in magnetic metals on the person walking through the scanner. Airport metal detectors can detect size and location on the body of any metal items via radio direction finding of the induced magnetic fields from the metal object. The operator can then quickly locate the object with a handwand.

Answer by  Alan67 (71)

By Pulse Induction. Coils either side in the arch, send out pulses which generate a magnetic field. If metal passes through the magnetic field is disturbed, alarming the metal detector.

Answer by  adam79 (35)

Metal detectors send out an electromagnetic field (EMF) then detect how the field is distorted by conductive materials (including metal).