Tracking mosquito flight patterns in 3D using digital holography and mathematics
12 Mar 2021
Researchers have been asked to use large field-of-view digital holography to accurately apply 3D tracking to mosquito flight. By capturing the diffraction pattern of mosquitoes in a telecentric volume, the insects' flight behaviour will be mathematically recorded, tracked and analysed to speed the development of new vector control products in the fight against malaria.
Image: Mosquito 2D flight patterns (courtesy: University of Warwick, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine; Voloshin V, Kröner C, Seniya C, Murray GPD, Guy A, Towers CE, McCall PJ, Towers DP. 2020 Diffuse retro-reflective imaging for improved video tracking of mosquitoes at human baited bednets. R. Soc. Open Sci. 7: 191951. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsos.191951)
The Optical Engineering Group at the University of Warwick (UK) School of Engineering will use large field-of-view digital holography for accurate 3D tracking of mosquito flight in an elongated flight chamber. Using this video-tracking methodology, researchers will look to accurately quantify the effects on mosquito behaviour of a range of chemicals or devices proposed to eliminate them, thereby providing a valuable insight into their mode of action.
Professor David Towers, Head of the Optical Engineering Group at the University of Warwick’s School of Engineering said "By capturing the diffraction pattern of mosquitoes in a telecentric volume, we can mathematically refocus the scene to obtain their z-axis positions, and therefore record a time-series of accurate 3D coordinates for tracking and analysing their flight behaviour. To facilitate this optical set-up, we required large aperture off-axis parabolic mirrors to provide the wide collimated beam required to examine a large field of view in an optical set-up that resembles a z-type Schlieren interferometer.”
Matthew Hall, the project researcher said “We approached Optical Surfaces to supply these key optics because of their international reputation for producing high quality off-axis parabolic mirrors. We have been impressed by the knowledgeable advice provided by Optical Surfaces and their flexibility to offer competitive pricing on an ex-stock off-axis parabolic mirror that meets our performance requirements".
Image: Off-axis parabolic mirrors produced by Optical Surfaces Ltd.
Dr Aris Kouris, Sales Director at Optical Surfaces Ltd. commented “We are very pleased to be involved in part of this important project to speed the development of new vector control products in the fight against malaria. We advised the Optical Engineering Group that they required an off-axis parabolic profile as it generates a collimated beam without obstruction of the optical path. The critical performance parameters for this application are the off-axis optical design, wide aperture and a good surface finish (< lambda/6) in order to produce a uniform phase-profile in the collimated beam. We look forward to seeing the results of this interesting research project".
The work of the Optical Engineering Group at the University of Warwick School of Engineering is centred on performing basic and applied research in optical sensing technologies with applications across engineering, industry, the biological sciences and clinical practice. This research is frequently multi-disciplinary with active collaborations across these fields. For further information contact d.towers@warwick.ac.uk.
For further information on high precision off-axis parabolic mirrors please visit https://www.optisurf.com/index.php/products/off-axis-paraboloids/
