Expanding Access to Microscopy

Abstract

State-of-the-art microscopes cost thousands of dollars, posing challenges to third world hospitals and secondary schools. Additionally, there is a growing problem of “e-Waste”, where consumers throw away old pieces of technology to buy newer models. The rare, valuable, and hazardous materials used in those technological devices pollute the environment when thrown in landfills, and could cause harmful effects on human, plant, and animal health. The overall goal of this project was to up-cycle old computer parts to make a cheap, open source microscope to address these issues. Optical drives are designed to be very precise, in order to “read” data from very small spaces on CDs/DVDs. There is an objective lens to change the angle of the laser, and a very precise stepper motor to slowly change the position of the laser assembly to read different parts of the CD/DVD. These principles were applied to modern microscopy in order to construct a microscope for a couple hundred dollars, as opposed to thousands. Such a prototype is being constructed, and samples will be placed to view magnified images to test the viability of the microscope. After completion, all instructions and software will be uploaded to GitHub for cloning and open use. This will allow for greater access to microscopy for students and for those in developing countries.