Photonic Fence

The Photonic Fence is a prototype device that is capable of identifying the discriminating characteristics of a mosquito (wing beat frequency, shape, size, airspeed, etc.). Once a mosquito has been identified, a trained laser delivers photonic energy to kill or incapacitate it. Designed for use in developing regions, the photonic fence will be used to complement bed nets, insecticides, and other existing vector control techniques.

One potential use of the Photonic Fence is to create a virtual fence that detects insects as they cross its plane. When an invading insect is detected, custom software is able to estimate the insect’s size and also to measure its wing beat frequency. Using this method, not only can the system distinguish between mosquitoes, butterflies, and bumblebees, but it can also determine whether a mosquito is male or female, as only female mosquitoes bite humans.

Once the software establishes that the insect is a valid target, it tracks the mosquito in flight, runs a safety check to ensure no innocent bystanders are in view, and then activates a laser to zap the mosquito. The Photonic Fence could be set along the perimeter of clinics or other strategic areas to control mosquitoes without endangering humans or other animals.

A working prototype is still being tested, however in the future this solution will be beneficial for hospitals and clinics. The solution can be made with locally sourced materials such as car parts.

Publicly available: no
Countries where available: Not yet commercially available.