Nematode Species Differentiation Using GHz Ultrasonic Micro Imager

This work reports differentiation of two nematode species (Steinernema carpocapsae and Steinernema feltiae) using a GHz ultrasonic imager. An array of 128 x 128 50-um AlN transducers with integrated CMOS circuitry operate from 1.6 to 1.9 GHz. The reflected ultrasonic pulses allow the visualization of nematodes in real-time on the silicon surface exposed to soil with nematodes. The shapes, movement speeds, and acoustic impedance of nematodes obtained from the imager are unique signatures for diverse nematode species found in soil. As nematodes vary tremendously in shape, size, motility, and body structure, the portable and low-power GHz imaging technology has the potential to be deployed across large farm areas to detect and identify nematode species, which can be useful for farmers to ascertain soil health and optimal treatments.