Microscope Optics Housing Unit

Design challenge: create a low-cost, easily assembled housing unit for evaluating microscope optics.

Justification: easily modifiable design allows for the use of lenses of varying sizes and focal length. Unit can be modified for low- or high-powered magnification. Depending on the lenses used, this tool’s use varies from education in biology or physics, to practical field use. In addition, the materials necessary to construct this platform are low-cost and easily replaceable, ensuring long-time use.

Design features:
• Easily removable optics work bench allows for experimentation of various lenses / lens configurations at different positions and respective focal distances
• Movable stage allows for further adjustments in the distance between specimen and objective lens
• Rotating mirror moves to align sunlight through stage
• Adjustable aperture adjusts the amount of light coming through specimen
• Sliding drawer in base provides storage for slides and samples (additional fi