Researchers at Purdue University’s College of Engineering are working on improving 3D microscopes to make them faster and more cost-effective. Traditional 3D microscopes have limitations such as slow image capture and high manufacturing costs due to the need for precision translation stages. Professor Song Zhang and his team have developed innovations that address these issues and have published their research in peer-reviewed journals. Their work has been supported by a grant from the National Science Foundation.
The Purdue 3D microscope automates the process of focusing on an object, determining the optimal capture process, and producing high-quality 3D images. This is in contrast to traditional microscopes that require users to follow complex instructions provided by the manufacturer. The key innovation in the Purdue microscope is the use of an electronically tunable lens (ETL) that can change the focal plane of the imaging system without any moving parts. This makes the microscope easier to use and less expensive to manufacture, while still producing high-quality 3D images.
The suite of patents developed by Zhang and his team covers methods for calibrating the ETL, creating all-in-focus 3D images quickly, and speeding up the data acquisition process using ETL hardware information. The end result is similar to a traditional microscope in terms of producing 3D surface images, but with the added benefits of higher speed and lower cost. The team has developed algorithms and a prototype system in their lab and is now working on transitioning their research into a commercial product with the help of an industrial partner.
Zhang has disclosed the innovations to the Purdue Innovates Office of Technology Commercialization, which has obtained patents to protect the intellectual property. The team is eager to collaborate with an industry partner to further develop and commercialize their 3D microscope technology. By sharing their research results and expertise, they aim to facilitate a smooth transition from the lab to the market. The Purdue 3D microscope has the potential to revolutionize the field of microscopy by offering a faster and more affordable solution for a wide range of applications in academia and industry.
