Difference between revisions of "DIY microscopy"

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== DIY microscopy ==
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[[File:diy_microscope_steps.jpg|300px]]
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To use a simple usb webcam as a microscope, afew modifications are needed which are described in detail on the [[diy_microscopy]] page.
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in short, a small hack to the optics of a standard webcam with an adjustable focus-lens, allows to create video data, with a magnification of around 100 to 400x (depending on the model) at a working distance of a few mm. the highest magnifications can be achieved by inverting (putting upside down) the lens. addition of good lighting by the use of leds allows to create images using a bright-field method (shine through the stuff) or dark field method (look at the reflections and scattering).
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[[File:amoebae_dark.gif|frame|left|dark-field image sequence (4 sec) of an amoebae recorded on a modified webcam]]
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[[File:amoebae_bright.gif|frame|left|bright-field image sequence (4 sec) of an amoebae recorded on a modified webcam]]

Revision as of 00:50, 2 June 2009

DIY microscopy

Diy microscope steps.jpg

To use a simple usb webcam as a microscope, afew modifications are needed which are described in detail on the diy_microscopy page.

in short, a small hack to the optics of a standard webcam with an adjustable focus-lens, allows to create video data, with a magnification of around 100 to 400x (depending on the model) at a working distance of a few mm. the highest magnifications can be achieved by inverting (putting upside down) the lens. addition of good lighting by the use of leds allows to create images using a bright-field method (shine through the stuff) or dark field method (look at the reflections and scattering).

dark-field image sequence (4 sec) of an amoebae recorded on a modified webcam
bright-field image sequence (4 sec) of an amoebae recorded on a modified webcam