PhotonMatrix prototype eliminates mosquitoes using laser following real-time detection

PhotonMatrix is an early-stage mosquito control system that eliminates flying insects using short-range laser pulses after detecting them in real time with lidar. The current prototype is capable of identifying mosquitoes and similarly sized insects between 2 and 20 millimeters moving at under 1 meter per second. Once a valid target is detected, the laser engages automatically and destroys the insect mid-flight. The system is fully physical and chemical-free, relying on fixed detection criteria rather than artificial intelligence or probabilistic classification.

The system uses size-based detection thresholds to avoid activating the laser when larger objects such as humans, pets, or birds enter the field of view. The developers state that they intend to pursue relevant safety certifications, but as of now, no regulatory approvals have been confirmed. Power is supplied via USB-C, and the device can operate from a standard PD-compatible power bank or portable battery station.

The gadget is intended to operate in outdoor or semi-sheltered areas and works both during the day and at night. The developers recommend mounting it under eaves or solar panels to reduce interference from rain and debris. Although designed primarily for mosquito control, the prototype can also target other slow-flying insects such as fruit flies or sand flies. Its effectiveness against faster insects like houseflies is limited unless a narrower scan angle is used, which reduces coverage.

PhotonMatrix is currently being crowdfunded on Indiegogo, where it has already raised more than 400,000 US dollars — over 20 times its original 20,000 dollar target. All supporters are offered early pricing with free shipping and taxes included, apart from optional battery surcharges. 

Initial delivery was originally planned for March 2026, but the team advanced the schedule to October 2025 after receiving requests from distributors in tropical and temperate regions to ensure availability before the onset of summer in the Southern Hemisphere. While the prototype is functional, it remains unverified by independent testing and is not yet certified for commercial sale. The developers acknowledge that manufacturing costs are currently high, but hope to reduce pricing in future production cycles. Whether the device can offer reliable performance in uncontrolled environments remains to be demonstrated. For now, PhotonMatrix represents an ambitious but unproven alternative to conventional mosquito control.