Foldscope: Origami-Based Paper Microscope

摘要: Here we describe an ultra-low-cost origami-based approach for large-scale manufacturing of microscopes, specifically demonstrating brightfield, darkfield, and fluorescence microscopes. Merging principles optical design with origami enables high-volume fabrication microscopes from 2D media. Flexure mechanisms created via folding enable a flat compact design. Structural loops in folded paper provide kinematic constraints as means passive self-alignment. This light, rugged instrument can survive harsh field conditions while providing diversity imaging capabilities, thus serving wide-ranging applications cost-effective, portable science education.