Low-Cost vs. High-Resolution microscope
OpenFlexure have developed several different microscope options. Our microscope kits are designed for making either the high-resolution or low-cost version. The main difference between these two microscopes is the optical component used, as highlighted below.
Low-Cost Microscope Optics
- The low-cost OpenFlexure microscope uses the lens from the Raspberry Pi Camera and is comparable to using a 20× objective
- When making this version, you will be assembling the Basic Optics Module
- All of the components are included in the kit so no additional optical components are required
- You can easily convert the low-cost microscope optics to the high-resolution version later on by using the high-resolution optics 3D-printed parts in the kit
Images: Basic Optics Module (LEFT), Assembled Low-Cost Microscope (MIDDLE), Micrograph of Onion Cells taken with the Low-Cost Microscope (RIGHT)
High-Resolution Microscope Optics
- The high-resolution microscope is "the standard research version of the OpenFlexure Microscope"
- When making this version, you will be assembling the High-Resolution Optics Module
- This microscope uses an additional 4-100× objective and 12.7mm achromatic lens. These components that are not included in the kit but can be purchased from our online store or supplied by the user
Images: High-Resolution Optics Module (LEFT), Assembled High-Resolution Microscope (MIDDLE), Micrograph of Onion Cells using with the High-Resolution Microscope and 40× objective (RIGHT)