Abstract: A millimeter wave method and apparatus for detecting objects on humans, for example, that might be hidden, for example, under the human's clothing includes an active w-band radiation source to illuminate the human subject; a diffuser on the active illumination source; a receiver to acquire an active mode and a passive mode image; apparatus and methods to minimize background environmental millimeter waves; and a device to form and display a differential image. The resulting differential image may show contraband at high resolution while avoiding display of the human anatomy.