It looks like the secret weapon of a dystopian film, but it really exists: it’s called Photon Matrix And it is a laser device developed in Changzhou, China, designed to intercept and “neutralize” up to 30 mosquitoes per second. It does not emit annoying sounds, does not use chemicals and also works in the dark. But does it really work? And above all: is it safe?
A system of Artificial intelligence, invisible laser and radar sensors. Everything is currently in the fundraising phase on Indiegogowhere he has already attracted hundreds of supporters and almost 200,000 dollars.
Recognizes mosquitoes in flight in 3 milliseconds, but only if they move slowly
The heart of the system is a double laser: one marks the air like a radar, detecting the tiny movements of the wings, while the other, moved by Galvanometric mirrorsis oriented to hit the target. The Lidarthe same technology used by autonomous driving cars and archaeological satellites, is the basis of tracking.
The device intervenes only on insects flying a Less than 1 meter per secondthus excluding flies, butterflies and other faster pollinators. On average, a mosquito moves to about 1-1.5 km/h, so it falls perfectly into the operational range.
Photon Matrix is also equipped with a millimeter wave radardesigned to detect humans, pets and larger objects. In the presence of these, the laser is automatically deactivated. His inventor, Jim Wong, says that the system has been designed by respecting all Security regulationsbut to date no official certification or independent data on the tests carried out is available.
An idea born in military workshops, never reached the general public
The idea is not new. Already in 2007, Lowell Woodphysicist involved in Star Wars Program of the United States, he had proposed a similar, in a reduced scale system to eliminate mosquitoes. Financed by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundationthe prototype never arrived on the market for fears related to safety, in particular to the risk of damaging the sight of people.
Today, however, with cheaper components and faster processorstechnology seems to have filled that gap. The Pro model of the Photon Matrix, for example, has a scope of Six metersideal for protecting a veranda or interior of a tent. In tropical areas or regions where malaria is endemic, it could represent an extra resource next to mosquito nets and natural repellent.
The price is high, the guarantees few: is it really worth risking?
The cost, however, is far from popular: the basic version costs 468 dollarswhile the advance surpasses the 890 dollars. An out of reach expenditure for communities that would most need truly effective anti-life solutions. To this is added the problem of transparency: It is not clear whether the product is already ready for mass production, nor if promotional videos show a functioning version of the device.
Another critical knot concerns theenvironmental impact. The laser is selective, but it is not known with certainty if it can affect too useful insectsas pollinators or moths. What if a child passed by running in front of the device? What if, after a summer storm, the sensors were no longer precise?
In the meantime, there are less spectacular but more realistic alternatives. This is the case of Bzigo Irisa 199 dollars device that detects the presence of mosquitoes and illuminates them with a red laser, leaving the user the task of crushing them. Less futuristic, but already on the market.
Photon Matrix is the last tech invention that promises to change our summer, but at the moment it remains a product to be taken with pliers. It works on paper, fascinates in the video, but raises questions about safety, accessibility and real efficacy.
