Gallery: Anti-deception technologies

From avatars and lasers to thermal cameras and fidget meters, this multimedia gallery takes a look at some of the latest technologies being developed by the government and private companies to thwart terrorists.

Thermal camera

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Scientists at the Defense Academy for Credibility Assessment (DACA) are using a thermal-imaging camera to measure changes in facial temperature, which can help determine whether a person is lying. Some data suggests that a person who is lying may register a temperature increase near the inside corner of the eye. The scientists hope to use such cameras for security screenings at airports, train stations, border crossings, stadiums or large events. (Video by Ben de la Cruz / The Washington Post)

Avatar

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A computer-generated avatar is being developed to test how interviewees respond to different interviewers. Scientists at the Defense Academy for Credibility Assessment (DACA) can manipulate the avatar's physical attributes, including hair and eye color, complexion, skull and forehead shape, and even the sound of the avatar's voice to create an interviewer of any age, race and gender. In one possible application, DACA scientists have programmed the avatar to help screen job-seekers who require security clearances. (Video by Ben de la Cruz and Nikki Kahn / The Washington Post)

Laser doppler

By pointing an eye-safe laser at a person's carotid artery, scientists at the Defense Academy for Credibility Assessment (DACA) can detect heart rate, pulse, respiration and other physiological data. By correlating this data, scientists hope to help security screeners differentiate between psychological and physical stress. The military also sees potential for using the laser in the battlefield. Soldiers could point it at someone lying on the ground to determine at a distance whether the person was dead. (Photo by Nikki Kahn / The Washington Post)

Polygraph machine

The polygraph machine, or lie detector, measures physiological signals such as heart rate, pulse and respiration. But screeners have to attach electrodes to their subjects to use it, making it unwieldy for widespread screening. Critics warn that taking the test is itself a cause of stress, which can skew results. Despite its shortcomings, the polygraph remains one of the most widely used technologies for trying to tell when a subject is lying. (Photo by Nikki Kahn / The Washington Post)

Security Checkpoint Test

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Scientists at Draper Laboratories are using an ocular scanner, a thermal camera, a laser and a "fidget meter" to try to correlate physiological data with a subject's emotional and mental states. Working with the Department of Homeland Security, Draper scientists are using the instruments to collect data on heart rate, pulse, body temperature, pupil dilation, and eye and foot movement. The goal is to be able to compile physiological data to identify people who intend to commit a crime, such as terrorism. (Video by Ben de la Cruz/The Washington Post; Photos by Jane Shauck/DHS)

3D Video Surveillance

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The latest in video surveillance combines multiple, integrated camera angles with three-dimensional laser mapping to create a comprehensive, real-time view of buildings, streets and neighborhoods. One advantage over traditional surveillance is that security professionals can easily understand the relationship between multiple cameras at a given location. Airborne 1 is one of the companies developing this technology. The El Segundo, Calif.-based firm hopes to market the technology to the federal government and its contractors. (Video by Ben de la Cruz / The Washington Post; Demo footage courtesy of Airborne 1 Corp.)