Open-source 3D-printed microscope with semiautomated liquid crystal polarizer setups: a new opportunity for detecting small phase retards in oocyte meiotic spindles

J. Jose Alcalde; Alejandro Restrepo-Martínez; Giovanni Restrepo Betancur

doi:10.1117/12.3028130

30 September 2024 Open-source 3D-printed microscope with semiautomated liquid crystal polarizer setups: a new opportunity for detecting small phase retards in oocyte meiotic spindles

J. Jose Alcalde, Alejandro Restrepo-Martínez, Giovanni Restrepo Betancur

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 13136, Optics and Photonics for Information Processing XVIII; 131360P (2024) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3028130
Event: Optical Engineering + Applications, 2024, San Diego, California, United States

Conference Poster

Abstract

A microscope design was developed using 3D printing and liquid crystals to achieve variable polarization configurations and semi-automatic processes without the need for mechanical movement of polarizers and retarders. The device includes a polariscope composed of electronically controlled liquid crystals and a compliant mechanism for precise micrometric movements. Stepper motors and software control these movements, and the process of acquiring images requires connecting a sensor to a Raspberry Pi. The microscope's lens and extension tube assembly magnify the image 600 times. The study compares two polarization techniques: Stokes and ellipsometric polarization. Additionally, it analyzes crystals and meiotic spindles of maturing porcine oocytes. The ellipsometric technique is more effective in detecting low retards, as indicated by the results. This prototype has the potential to reduce the cost of in vitro fertilization in assisted reproduction laboratories, with a focus on animals of high genetic value.

(2024) Published by SPIE. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Citation Download Citation

J. Jose Alcalde, Alejandro Restrepo-Martínez, and Giovanni Restrepo Betancur "Open-source 3D-printed microscope with semiautomated liquid crystal polarizer setups: a new opportunity for detecting small phase retards in oocyte meiotic spindles", Proc. SPIE 13136, Optics and Photonics for Information Processing XVIII, 131360P (30 September 2024); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3028130

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