Micron Advanced Imaging Consortium

Micron Advanced Imaging ConsortiumMicron Advanced Imaging ConsortiumMicron Advanced Imaging Consortium
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Booking
    • Research Team
    • Software Development
    • Bespoke built microscopes
    • Python Microscope Cockpit
    • Microscopi 3D-printed
    • Facility Team
    • Microscope systems
    • Image analysis
    • OMERO
    • About the Facility
    • Access Policy
    • Micron Microscopy Course
    • OMX Training Course
    • Bioimaging events
    • News
    • Publications
  • Micron Wiki & FAQ
  • Other imaging resources
    • Home
    • About Us
    • Booking
    • Research
      • Research Team
      • Software Development
      • Bespoke built microscopes
      • Python Microscope Cockpit
      • Microscopi 3D-printed
    • Microscopy Facilities
      • Facility Team
      • Microscope systems
      • Image analysis
      • OMERO
      • About the Facility
      • Access Policy
    • Education
      • Micron Microscopy Course
      • OMX Training Course
      • Bioimaging events
    • News & Publications
      • News
      • Publications
    • Micron Wiki & FAQ
    • Other imaging resources

Micron Advanced Imaging Consortium

Micron Advanced Imaging ConsortiumMicron Advanced Imaging ConsortiumMicron Advanced Imaging Consortium
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Booking
  • Micron Wiki & FAQ
  • Other imaging resources
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Microscopi

  • Open-source microscopy platform with automated xyz control
  • Low cost construction with readily available components and 3d-printed frame
  • Easy to use, browser-based GUI that can be run from any internet capable device
  • Designed for teaching, outreach and field microscopy

Biorxiv pre-print

Multi-functional + democratised = microscopi

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Automated XYZ stage control

Fully motorised stage

Open-source software

Using a web browser based GUI, users can fully control the stage and camera via their phone or tablet. Acquired images are saved onto the user's device, making Microscopi a perfect tool for engaging students and non-specialists.

Accessible

With 3D-printed or inexpensive off-the-shelf components, Microscopi offers the functionality of a complex system that is much more affordable. 

Multi-functional

Through using an LED array for condenser-free illumination, Microscopi can achieve a range of imaging modalities including bright-field, fluorescence, dark-field and a phase contrast equivalent. 

Sample Images

A new way to approach Imaging

A Democratised Automated Imaging System

For many people the idea of microscopy involves a user sitting at a traditional microscope, looking down the eyepieces while focussing and moving the stage.  In leading research institutes, advanced microscopy involves the use of sophisticated imaging systems that utilise automated stages that are capable of multidimensional imaging. Allied to acquisition software and cameras this allows the researcher to obtain data in XYZ as well as taking time lapse images. Due to the high cost, size and complicated mode of using these systems it is rare that those involved in outreach, teaching, field-work or even many involved in scientific research can use commercial microscopes. 


Microscopi is a small and portable automated imaging system that can allow scientists without the resources for commercial systems to access a set up with stage and camera control. The 3D-printed and readily available components also mean the construction of the system can be used as an imaging, electronics and engineering project for students. This will allow them to really understand how the system works and also means maintenance by the end user can avoid costly service contracts associated with more sophisticated setups. Illumination with an LED array allows close control of light to give bright-field, dark-field and psuedo-phase contrast without the use of a condenser lens. 



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Sample Videos

A water flea head imaged on Microscopi

User Instructions

User Manual - Microscopi (pdf)

Download

Assembly Instructions (pdf)

Download

Ways to Use Microscopi

Teaching

Scientific Outreach

Scientific Outreach

Either by building a unit or using one for imaging projects, Microscopi is an excellent teaching and learning tool

Coming Soon

Scientific Outreach

Scientific Outreach

Scientific Outreach

Engage younger audiences and non-experts with an intuitive system they can control on their phone or on a tablet. They can drive the system and take and save their images using only a web browser.

Coming Soon

Fieldwork

Scientific Outreach

Fieldwork

Bring a fluorescent microscope that can easily image even large samples to the field that works from batteries while contained in its own 3D-printed case. 

Coming Soon

Parts List and 3d printing files

Files coming soon.

Development Team

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Dr. Matthew Wincott

Dr. Andrew Jefferson

Dr. Matthew Wincott

Lead Scientist/Engineer

Matthew designed and built the Microscopi. He implemented the Python-based control system and web GUI, enabling complete control of Microscopi from mobile devices. Together with Richard, the design was refined for 3d printing.

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Dr. Richard Parton

Dr. Andrew Jefferson

Dr. Matthew Wincott

Senior Scientist - Micron & Biochemistry

As the imaging expert on the project he drove the design and development alongside Matthew. Richard devised central components of the  system, including the z-lifter for the stage. Richard also co-developed and implemented the different imaging modes in the system, contributing to the designs of the

Senior Scientist - Micron & Biochemistry

As the imaging expert on the project he drove the design and development alongside Matthew. Richard devised central components of the  system, including the z-lifter for the stage. Richard also co-developed and implemented the different imaging modes in the system, contributing to the designs of the fluorescent light path as well as the illumination array. 


Test Scientist – Micron & Biochemistry

Dr. Andrew Jefferson

Dr. Andrew Jefferson

Dr. Andrew Jefferson

Test Scientist – Micron & Biochemistry

Andrew tested the Microscopi at varying stages of development and provided Matthew and Richard with feedback. He also assisted with component research, procurement and assembly.

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Prof. Martin Booth

Prof. Martin Booth

Prof. Martin Booth

Principal Investigator - Engineering


Martin was the engineering consultant on the design process from the initial stages. As Matthew's manager he had key intellectual input throughout the project.



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Dr. Ian Dobbie

Prof. Martin Booth

Prof. Martin Booth

Senior Consulting Scientist - Micron & Biochemistry


Ian worked with Ilan, Richard and Matthew to move from the proof of concept to working versions. He provided a key link between the engineering and imaging aspects of the project.

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Prof. Ilan Davis

Prof. Martin Booth

Prof. Ilan Davis

Principal Investigator - Micron & Biochemistry


Ilan was the initiator of the project, having put together a simple prototype as a proof of concept. Utilising the expertise within the Micron Imaging Facility, he managed the development of the Microscopi project. 

Teaching with Microscopi

Construction Project

Imaging from your Garden

Imaging from your Garden

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Microscopi is an ideal medium time frame project for students to learn 3D-printing, electronics, coding and simple optics. 

Imaging from your Garden

Imaging from your Garden

Imaging from your Garden

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Take samples of plants, animals or even just sand from your garden; skim your pond for creepy crawlies then use your phone to drive Microscopi and save images and movies to your phone.

Microscopy

Imaging from your Garden

Microscopy

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See the effect of different illumination modes on samples, set up time lapse and z-stack projects, explore the limits of resolution and so much more.

Coding

Lesson Plans and Suggestions

Microscopy

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Work with our open source GUI to learn code that has practical outcomes. From changing the appearance of the GUI to writing code to control more complex stage movements and illumination control. 

Lesson Plans and Suggestions

Lesson Plans and Suggestions

Lesson Plans and Suggestions

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Coming Soon

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