An open-source filter for a custom side ilumination setup that can be adapted to any compound microscope. 🔬🔬
This 3D-printed / laser-cut design is created for improving contrast and RESOLUTION! thanks to illumination techniques, aimed at microscopy enthusiasts and professionals.
In microscopy, many unstained or live samples have such low contrast that details are barely visible, even with good lenses. Boosting contrast is essential to see these details without harming the sample.
Using chemicals can damage or change the specimen, so the field is always looking for ways to increase contrast without harsh treatments. Common methods like closing the aperture or lowering the condenser "do help" but also create an image with less resolution. Side ilumination give you overall better image quality.
Side ilumination can enhance the resolution of the microscope image and create a shadowed, relief-like pseudo three-dimensional effect in the specimen’s appearance. ( when you put a light source under your chin in a dark room, you get a lot of contrast on face patterns that cast shadows). Oblique illumination is particularly effective for viewing unstained specimens such as living cells.
To achieve oblique illumination, a sector stop is placed just below the condenser. The cut-out section of the sector stop permits only oblique, indirect light to illuminate the specimen (try multiple oblique filters and seeing what they do for your samples).
Simply download the correct STL file for your prints.
Alternatively: You can download the OpenScad file (1 file for folder) and very easily edit each parameter of the filter.
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Download and install OpenScad (Free an open sofware for CAD files)
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Open the file using the program and look for parameters of the filter
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Simply edit to your needs
- All measurement are in milimiters
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Generate a new STL file, save it and you are ready to print.
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Import the STL file into your laser cutting software:
- Most popular laser cutting software supports importing STL files directly
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Scale and position the object:
- Adjust the size and orientation of the object as needed
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Set material properties:
- Input the thickness and type of material you'll be cutting
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Start the cutting
Most microscopes have a way to add a filter in the optical path between the ilumination and the condenser.
(Taken from Abramowitz, Olympus Corporation 1990)
MAKE SURE !
- Your condenser is as close to the sample as possible !
- The Field Diafragm is at least 90 % open !
- Use all the led intensity of the microscope
- Abramowitz, Mortimer; Microscope Basics and Beyond Vol, 2; Olympus Corporation 1990
- Bradbury, Savile; An Introduction to Light Microscopy; Oxford University Press 1984
- Hartley, W.G.; Hartley's Microscopy; Senecio Publishers Limited 1979
- Hoffman, Robert; The Modulation Contrast Microscope; Journal of Microscopy Vol. 110 pt. 3 August 1977