China has finally developed its own terahertz (THz) scanner that can be used for security checks, according to an announcement during an international defense exhibition held on Thursday.

China launched its first terahertz security scanner, independently developed and manufactured by Local defense giant China Electronics Technology Group Corp, at the 9th China International Defense Electronics Exhibition, China.org reported.

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This type of security scanner can operate continuously and scan an average of 500 people every hour. At around one person every second, the THz scanner's efficiency is five times greater than that of manual checks, the developer said.

The new scanners will be installed in airports, train stations, foreign embassies, sports stadiums, and other public establishments by 2015.

This development will take a chunk away from the US monopoly over the THz market, Chinese experts speculate.

Terahertz radiation is a type of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength in between infrared rays and microwaves. This radiation has strong penetration ability but does not have untoward effects on people.

Since the human body naturally sends out terahertz waves, the terahertz body scanner can receive those waves.

The scanner works by contrasting the image taken by the scanner with the background image of the subject. Using the contrasted image, security personnel will be able to see objects concealed beneath clothes since it will then block the path of the terahertz wave transmission.

This kind of scanner is significantly safer and more reliable compared to the conventional scanning devices being used for security checks, the developer said.

THz scanners are able to detect both metal and non-metal objects including powders, liquids, and ceramics. In addition, the device does not require physical contact with the person being scanned.

The developer also said people do not need to worry about privacy because the image that the device projects on the screen does not reveal physical details of the person being examined.