Photonic Fences

First of all I would like to thank the teacher for giving me this chance to speak on this topic. I
will start off by providing you the definition and function of this instrument. The Photonic
Fence is a prototype device that is capable of identifying the characteristics of an insect and
can zap them with lasers if considered a threat.

I personally do not find the practicality in the usage of this machine. I made a round up
estimate of the cost of all parts required to build one and yet the cost is too high to be
produced. I read through IVL views on the cost of these machines and they turned out to be
superficial. Down below I have compiled a list materials that is required

1 IR LED light $75 = ₹5589 [1]

2 CCD video camera $600 = ₹ 44719 [2]

3 Lens ₹39575 [3]

4 Photo diode ₹858 [4]

5 Galvanometer needs to be custom made*

6 Laser ₹2919 [5]

So total costs come to ₹93660 and this is excluding the galvanometer. If the galvanometer
were to be included, it would go over 1 lakh to build one of these whereas from certain
sources it states [6] that creator, Nathan Myhrvold believes this can be made using $50
which is ₹3729. Even if I were to use all secondhand products it would still be costly. And
even after comparing the difference in the cost of these materials in US and India, they are
similar excluding shipping taxes.
[1]
https://ledlightsworld.com/products/dc12v-smd3528-600-ir-infrared-850nm-940nm-signle-chi
p-flexible-led-strips-120leds-9-6w-per-meter

[2]
https://www.ebay.com/itm/192922874354?_ul=IN

[3]
https://www.tanotis.com/products/agm-3x-afocal-magnifier-lens

[4]
https://www.tanotis.com/products/hamamatsu-s5971-photodiode-70-pa-900-nm-to-18-4

[5]
https://thinkrobotics.in/products/red-dot-laser-module-650-nm-5mw

And I come to my second point, which is this device, which was funded by Bill Gates who
over many years has sought to help Africa. And it also explains why it was first made to kill
mosquitos in Africa which was the cause of epidemics of malaria over a period of time. In
this case it seems to be more worth it as the perimeter of certain areas like clinics can be set
with these to kill the mosquitoes that are flying in the air. But to use these in farm lands
would be difficult and expensive. Even if we were to use this in farms we would require a
load of these. So in my opinion this is not worth.
 SOURCES CITED
[6] https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mosquito_laser

Shreya Shivakumar
IX -F