Zapping Lasers
where a rel iable and convenient source of
electricity is scarce. Low-energy infra-red lasers can
be maintained and operated by a steady stream
of solar energy stored in batteries, readily available
in these countries. As well as being renewable and
clean, solar energy is also relatively cheap when it
comes to powering small contraptions.
The laser-shooting mechanism of mosquito
control is on its way to being commercialised for
widespread use. Some of the problems include
the device’s optimal functioning range of about
25 to 100 metres. Activity outside of this range
becomes much more difficult to trace or target
with precision. Nonetheless, when mobilised, this
technology is not only limited to mosquito zapping
and has the potential to see use in agricultural
settings to eliminate harmful pests to crops. For
now, it would be no exaggeration to claim that no
one would be weeping for flightless mosquitoes.
動的速度，以確認物體是否蚊子。系統還可以精確區分蚊子
的性別。叮咬人的是雌蚊，體形較大，翅膀拍打的頻率也比
較低。一旦確定是雌蚊，系統就會射出高能量的激光，毀掉
蚊蟲的翅膀。
系統激光只是燒掉蚊蟲的翅膀，而不是直接殺死牠們。
蚊子細小而且看來軟綿綿的，其實是有一層外骨骼，由存在
於甲殼類動物外殼的多醣類幾丁質組成，需要以非常強的
激光才能穿透，這種滅蚊方法既無效率亦不安全。氣化脆
弱的蚊子翅膀卻只需用人眼看不見、能量比較低的紅外激
光就足夠了。
經蚊子傳播的疫病經常在發展中國家肆虐，這些地方缺
乏可靠方便的電源，太陽能電池卻甚為普遍。低能量紅外激
光可以靠這些電池維持操作，供電不成問題。太陽能作為可
再生清潔能源，用於小裝置也是相對便宜。
激光滅蚊器正走向商品普及化。其中遇到的一個問題是
裝置的最佳運作距離限於25至100米之內，難以精確追蹤
或瞄準範圍之外的活動。儘管如此，一旦推廣成功，這技術
將不僅可以消滅蚊子，也可能用於農業防治，消滅危害作物
的害蟲。目前而言，相信沒有人會哭悼無翅的蚊蟲。
By Long Him Cheung
張朗謙
9
