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arXiv:1403.1211physics.optics

Foldscope: Origami-based paper microscope

James Cybulski, James Clements, Manu Prakash

Abstract

Here we describe an ultra-low-cost origami-based approach for large-scale manufacturing of microscopes, specifically demonstrating brightfield, darkfield, and fluorescence microscopes. Merging principles of optical design with origami enables high-volume fabrication of microscopes from 2D media. Flexure mechanisms created via folding enable a flat compact design. Structural loops in folded paper provide kinematic constraints as a means for passive self-alignment. This light, rugged instrument can survive harsh field conditions while providing a diversity of imaging capabilities, thus serving wide-ranging applications for cost-effective, portable microscopes in science and education.

arXiv comments
Journal reference
DOI
doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0098781
Subjects
physics.opticsOptics physics.ed-phPhysics Education physics.pop-phPopular Physics

On Hacker News

Linked by 6 identifiable commenters in 6 comments across 4 threads, from Mar 2014 to Apr 2014. Found in 1 HN submission from Mar 2014 to Mar 2014. Open submission discussions.

Comments linking this paper, per year.

Discussed in comments4 threads

  1. Cheap microscopes: Yours to cut out and keep 2 comments

    • Side note (as a scientist who uses the site): there are lots of different ways to share an arXiv.org link, but in almost every case the best option is this: http://arxiv.org/abs/1403.1211 That links to an abstract page for the same paper you linked to rather than the full PDF…

      SteuardView on HNParent context

    • See research paper: http://arxiv.org/abs/1403.1211 When I said "paper lens", I meant the idea of embedding the lens into the paper.

      dhaivatpandyaView on HNParent context

  2. 50-Cent Microscope That Folds Like Origami [video] 1 comment

    • I wonder how soon this will be developed in large quantities. Funding from places like Bill Gates' foundation is almost certain, but there seems to be a lag, as the TED talk is from June 2012, while the arXiv paper [1] as well as the linked post from March 2014. Maybe hitting…

      ezequiel-garzonView on HNParent context

  3. Stanford bioengineer develops a 50-cent paper microscope 2 comments

    • I'm really excited that this is now public! Congrats to Manu, Jim, et al. FYI, a paper with technical details is available here: http://arxiv.org/pdf/1403.1211.pdf

      avivoView on HNParent context

    • http://arxiv.org/abs/1403.1211 "Although it costs less than a dollar in parts (see Bill of Materials in table 1), it can provide over 2,000X magnification with submicron resolution, weighs less than two nickels (8.8 g), is small enough to fit in a pocket (70 × 20 × 2 mm3)…

      auxon0View on HNParent context

  4. How to Make a Microscope Out of Paper in 10 Minutes 1 comment

    • I've worked with these guys and I can answer any questions you guys may have. Here's a link to something written by the actual scientists: http://arxiv.org/abs/1403.1211

      tedsandersView on HNParent context

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