Foldscope: Origami based paper microscope
Authors: James S. Cybulski, James Clements and Manu Prakash
Link: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0098781
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0098781
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.
Additional Information
Dr. Henry Power's poem on the Microscope
Microscopicall observations (1661)
In Comendation of ye Microscope.
Of all th' Inuentions none there is Surpasses
the Noble Florntine's Dioptrick=glasses.
For what a better, fitter, guift Could bee
in this world's Aged Luciosity.
To Helpe our Blindnesse so as to deuize
a paire of new and Artificiall eyes.
By whose augmenting power wee now see more
then all the world Has euer donn Before.
Thy Atomes (Brause Democritus) are now
made to appeasre in bulk and figure too.
when Archimide by his Arithmatick,
The full poem is online.
Project: Foldscope
