2007年VOA标准英语-New Airport Technology Raises Issue of Security

By Paul Sisco
Washington, D.C.
03 January 2007
 
watch Screening report

Ever since the September 11th terrorist attacks on the United States, the need for airport security has led to a steady increase in the use and improvement of technology.  One new kind of screening system, called "the Backscatter", is somewhat controversial, but may soon be used in several airports.

 
An artist's conception of how the screening would take place
Some U.S. airports will soon begin using what's known as "backscatter x-ray technology" to screen passengers.  The harmless technology can see through materials such as clothing -- and that raises concerns.

As one female traveler said, “That's crazy, kind of invasive. So no, I wouldn't really enjoy that very much.”

The virtually naked images are considered by some as an invasion of privacy.  And that has prompted officials to modify the scanners.  Altered images will show cartoon-like black and white outlines of passengers.

Airline passengers had mixed reactions.  “It is national security.  Anything to protect our country,” said one woman. Another passenger agreed. “I'd almost feel more secure about that because of the number of guys get on airplanes and do stuff with guns.” But another woman was concerned about the public viewing of the screenings. “…and hopefully, it doesn't have a big screen so everybody sees you as you're walking through.

 
A screen image with simulated display of hidden weapons
The virtual strip search is being tried first at Phoenix¹ Sky Harbor International Airport in the western state of Arizona.  Initially², the system is being used only on volunteers and on travelers whom officials decide require extra screening.  Passengers are offered the option of being photographed from the front or the back. 

Transportation officials say the new machines may one day replace the metal detectors³ that are now used -- if they can be improved to take less than the 15 to 20 seconds they currently require.  The new scanners are already up and running in Phoenix.  A small number of other U.S. airports will have them in place this month, as part of a nationwide pilot program.

1 phoenix   

n.凤凰，长生(不死)鸟；引申为重生

参考例句：

• The airline rose like a phoenix from the ashes.这家航空公司又起死回生了。
• The phoenix worship of China is fetish worship not totem adoration.中国凤崇拜是灵物崇拜而非图腾崇拜。

2 initially   

adv.最初，开始

参考例句：

• The ban was initially opposed by the US.这一禁令首先遭到美国的反对。
• Feathers initially developed from insect scales.羽毛最初由昆虫的翅瓣演化而来。

3 detectors   

探测器( detector的名词复数 )

参考例句：

• The report advocated that all buildings be fitted with smoke detectors. 报告主张所有的建筑物都应安装烟火探测器。
• This is heady wine for experimenters using these neutrino detectors. 对于使用中微子探测器的实验工作者，这是令人兴奋的美酒。 来自英汉非文学 - 科技