Laser-based mosquito repelling module

Abstract

This article proposes and shows that a low-optical-power laser when arranged in a zigzag fashion in a free space can create strong air thermal stress and form a chemical-free optical net that is capable of repelling adult mosquitoes away. Experimental proof of concept using a pointer-like diode-pump solid-state laser (447 nm wavelength and 500 mW maximum) and reflective sheets shows that all 80 adult Aedes albopictus mosquitoes are completely trapped inside the open glass chamber. Most of the adult mosquitoes prefer to stay near the bottom of the open glass chamber as it is cooler than the top part that contains several zigzagging laser beams. Reducing air thermal stress via increasing the spacing between the two adjacent laser beams allows the adult mosquitoes to easily escape out of the zone of the laser beams. © 2012 IEEE.