Laser-based optical methods for the sensory ecology of flow sensing: From classical PIV to micro-PIV and beyond

Abstract

This chapter presents an overview of techniques for laser-based, noncontact fluid flow measurements, and their application to real datasets. Particular consideration is given to particle image velocimetry (PIV)-techniques, from the usual macro-scale PIV, through meso-scale PIV, to micro-PIV, thereby spanning the range from decimeter to micrometer scales. We compare the advantages and limitations of these techniques. The specific requirements of sensory ecology and sensory physiology, as well as the 3D-morphological nature of the organisms studied led us to conclude that the techniques that are used in water are ill-suited for several key tasks when dealing with terrestrial organisms. We therefore propose an innovative mixed technology that exploits the advantages of both standard and micro-PIV techniques while avoiding their main limitations.