Abstract
A low-cost optical manipulation system is realised by using simple microfabricated PDMS components coupled to a smartphone camera for imaging.
Highlights
Light microscopes have become ubiquitous in modern research laboratories
Neglecting the cost of a laser, which could be replaced by a laser pointer or other low cost alternative, our system can be constructed for approximately £23.23, a full cost breakdown of all components required is available in the Electronic supplementary information (ESI).† We present measurements of the trapping ability and efficiency of a droplet lens based optical manipulation system
The optical manipulation system presented here can be fabricated with very little optical experience and at a very low cost
Summary
Light microscopes have become ubiquitous in modern research laboratories. Through their combination with optical tweezers, high-end systems which provide insight into the physical, biological and chemical processes occurring in single molecules,[1] aerosols[2] and liquids[3] have been created. These sophisticated systems come with an associated high cost, limiting their use both in research labs throughout the world (especially the developing world) and in pedagogical settings. Elastomeric optics have found use in an increasing number of novel applications such as a rubber microscope,[5] biologically inspired wide eld lenses[6] and a low-cost digital dermascope, which makes use of a mobile phone with added lenses fabricated from hanging droplets of PDMS.[7]
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