A practical millimeter-wave (MMW) holographic imaging system with good robustness is developed for the detection of concealed weapons at security checkpoints, especially at the airport. The system is used to scan the passenger and detect any weapons hidden in their clothes. To reconstruct the three dimensional image, a holographic MMW imaging algorithm based on aperture synthesis and backscattering is presented. The system is active and works at 28-33 GHz. As a practical imaging system, the robustness is analyzed in detail in terms of the peak signal-to-noise ratio. With the growing threat of terrorism around the world nowadays, security detection of airplane passengers is becoming more and more important [1] . Conventional systems for security detection include metal detectors for personnel and x ray scanners for luggage. Compared with these methods, millimeter-wave (MMW) imaging is more effective and safe. MMW imaging combines the advantages of both optical and microwave imaging systems, particularly the high resolution of optical imaging due to the short wavelength and penetration through most clothing of microwave imaging. Moreover, holographic techniques can be easier to achieve in the MMW band than optic waves, as we can get the amplitude and phase of the MMW signal easily. Additionally, the extreme development of MMW chips, modules and communication and system techniques make MMW security detection possible [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] . MMW imaging can be classified as a passive imaging system and an active imaging system. There is no illuminating source in a passive system [10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] . It only records the intensity of objects and works through these signals. Scattering information of the target can be obtained because different electromagnetic strengths are emitted due to the different temperatures. An active system transmits MMW signals, receives them reflected by the objects [18][19][20][21][22][23][24] , and interferes them with the transmitting ones. Then, both the amplitude and phase can be recorded.Because of the advantages of MMW imaging systems, we present an active MMW holographic imaging system. A practical system has been realized in our lab, and good robustness of the system is achieved. When it comes to the word "practical," we mean the system can work even if some useful electromagnetic information is missing, which could happen in practical, complicated circumstances. In other words, the system does not just work in a perfect lab environment. The less electromagnetic data is necessary when reconstructing the image, the more practical the system is. First, the imaging system is described in detail, and then the imaging algorithm is presented. Next, an analysis of the robustness of the imaging system through the peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) is demonstrated. Finally, conclusions are drawn at the end of the Letter.A practical implementation of an MMW holographic imaging system is performed. It takes quite a long time to scan a single transceiver over the whole aperture,...