I would like to have something like this in my own garden. However, I don’t have a garden… but I would like to have it anyway: it’s a low-power laser to fight mosquitoes. The device called Photon Matrix is intended to detect and “neutralize” up to 30 insects per second using LiDAR. Mosquitoes are the most disgusting and irritating thing that can happen to you in the summer. While in Rzeszów spraying “does the job”, but a trip outside the city… usually ends with complaints about these irritating insects. And they will attack soon.
This does not apply to Poland (at least for now, because the climate is mercilessly warming), but in the world the mosquito is one of the most deadly “species” in the world – although it sounds like a myth. According to data from the World Health Organization, mosquito-borne diseases are responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths and millions of cases of various infectious diseases every year.
Hence, the use of new technologies to get rid of mosquitoes is absolutely justified and necessary. All these sprays, candles, nets – they may work, but a mosquito will still sneak in and buzz, sting and irritate you. The laser system, which can be placed on the terrace or in the garden, fits into the large trend of “defensive technologies”, only… in the context of insects. The idea is great, but will it withstand the impact of the market and… the current possibilities of technological achievements?
LiDAR, laser and algorithm
The brain of the device is the LiDAR module, known from autonomous cars and advanced mapping systems. LiDAR sends light pulses and measures their return time after reflection from an object. Based on this, it calculates its location and distance. The manufacturer declares that this mechanism can identify a mosquito – its size and flight angle – in just 3 milliseconds.
After detecting the target, a second, low-power laser is launched to neutralize the insect. The system simultaneously scans the surroundings for larger objects – people and animals – and will not fire if there is a risk of hitting them. This is important because you must remember that even a low-power laser can cause damage.
What about range and price?
The basic version of the Photon Matrix device has a range of approximately 3 meters, the Pro version – up to 6 meters. Both offer a scanning angle of 90 degrees. The device is waterproof and can be powered by a power bank or a portable power station, which allows it to be used in the garden or even on the plot. How much will you pay? $468 for the basic version and $668 for the Pro (these are “early bird” deals on Indiegogo).
The system detects objects flying at a speed of up to 1 m/s. This is enough in the context of mosquitoes, which move slower than houseflies. The latter – if they are in full swing – may escape the algorithm.
I recommend cautious optimism
Photon Matrix is still under development. The creators announce the first shipments in October, and mass production from March 2026. The crowdfunding campaign has already reached the assumed funding threshold. It looks good, but it doesn’t guarantee success, yet. Now all we have to do is wait for market adoption and its response: is the equipment really as good as the manufacturer says?
Photon Matrix must be able to perform perfectly in changing light conditions, in wind, in the presence of many small particles in the air and in the presence of people. LiDAR is a mature technology, but its miniaturization and integration with a laser targeting system in such a compact form is a big challenge for engineers. However, if it works, we are dealing with a real hit right now.
Read also: How does a female mosquito track you? This is the mechanism of action
Mosquitoes versus humans. Who will win?
A laser “air defense system” against mosquitoes sounds a bit like a joke, but there have already been people who have tried to create such machines. This is no exaggeration: mosquitoes carry diseases in many regions of the world and, above all, they are annoying. I would gladly pay for something like that. If you are curious about this project, you can check it out on Indiegogo or even order a copy for yourself!
