Scientists demonstrate low-cost, high-quality lenses for super-resolution microscopy
Phys.org • • science
Key Points:
- Researchers have developed a method using consumer-grade 3D printers and low-cost materials to produce multi-element optical components for super-resolution imaging, with each lens costing under $1 to make.
- The fabrication process combines 3D printing, silicone molding, and UV-curable resin to create lenslet arrays used in multifocal structured illumination microscopes (SIM), achieving imaging resolution around 150 nm.
- This approach addresses optical scattering issues common in 3D-printed lenses by smoothing surfaces through additive layering, resulting in optical quality comparable to commercial glass lenses.
- The new technique enables affordable, customizable optical parts, potentially democratizing access to advanced imaging tools previously limited by high costs and specialized manufacturing.
- The research demonstrates that such
