- "A lie detector."
"The lie detector, Agent Coulson." - ―Phil Coulson and Eric Koenig[src]
The Lie Detector is a polygraph device designed by Nick Fury to detect lies. An updated version of the machine was introduced in the second incarnation of S.H.I.E.L.D. by Jeffrey Mace.
History[]
Designed by Nick Fury[]
- "Fury designed this himself. He wanted a lie detector Romanoff couldn't beat."
- ―Eric Koenig to Phil Coulson[src]
The Lie Detector was designed by Nick Fury to measure galvanic skin response, oxygen consumption, pupil dilation, microexpressions, biofeedback, brainwaves, voice biometrics and other variables up to ninety six as a way to determine if a subject is telling the truth about the questions he is asked. It is said that Fury wanted a lie detector that Natasha Romanoff could not beat, though he did not reveal if he was successful.[1]
Eric Koenig's Questions[]
- "Boy, your baseline's getting a lot of spikes. Are you in pain?"
"Yeah, only when I breathe. Two broken ribs."
"Okay, well, try not to move. It may affect the results." - ―Eric Koenig and Grant Ward[src]
Grant Ward is subjected to the Lie Detector
When Phil Coulson wanted to leave Providence with his team in order to pursue Fridge escapees, Agent Eric Koenig insisted that they use the Lie Detector first. During the tests, Grant Ward barely passed, on account of telling the half-truth that he was coming there for Skye, and the cable wire he implanted in his fingers to make the readings erratic.[1]
Questioning of Jemma Simmons[]
- "I have daily lie detection."
- ―Jemma Simmons[src]
The Lie Detector was also used in Jeffrey Mace's S.H.I.E.L.D., with Harlan controlling the machine. Jemma Simmons was often interrogated by Harlan. At her last test she received alarming results, however, Mace told Harlan she would not be interrogated anymore.[2]
Capabilities[]
- "This baby measures galvanic skin response, oxygen consumption, microexpressions, biofeedback, brainwaves, pupil dilation, voice biometrics. Ninety-six variables in all."
- ―Eric Koenig to Phil Coulson[src]
The lie detector measures several minor features to determine whether a person is lying or telling the truth. Among the ninety-six various measurements is sweat, breathing, microexpressions, biofeedback, brainwaves, pupil dilation, and voice bimetrics. It then combines these variables to determine whether the person connected is telling the truth. When a person gets nervous, it starts alerting the monitor to changes in the variables. However, the lie detector can be beaten with a half-truth.
