Our research project is focused on the field of optics, our goal is to reduce the costs and increase efficiency in using filters in microscopy. We explored the utility of a video projector as the source of dynamic pattern illumination for a 3D printable microscope in conjunction with lenses and a Raspberry Pi module and camera system. This setup provides a low-cost solution in achieving different contrast- enhancement modalities, including dark-field, Rheinberg illumination, oblique illumination, and polarization microscopy. In commercially available microscopes, these methods are possible through the use of specialized physical filter attachments that typically add to the cost of the microscope. With our microscope design, the physical filters are replaced by projecting an illumination mask/pattern on the back focal plane of the microscope’s condenser lens. Our design also provides for ease in switching from one contrast-enhancement method to another with no optical re-alignment, as this can be done with a click of the button on a PC. Data from our initial images of a 1951 USAF Resolution Chart confirm the imaging resolution of the system to be around 10 microns. We will demonstrate that in using the different illumination patterns it is possible to highlight the details of an unstained, transparent specimen with these different illumination methods provided by our optical lens system. The success of producing various illumination methods with our system motivates further studies on the ability of artificial filters to provide for contrast-enhancement in images.
Authors: Neha Sunil, Leqi Li, Josh Uy, Seth King
Advisor: Edward Carlo Samson, Physics
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