iMicro Q3p: A 1200x Polarizing Fingertip Microscope

From 2018 to 2023, our journey on Kickstarter with the Fingertip Microscopes – iMicro Q, iMicro C, iMicro Q2, iMicro Q2p, and iMicro Q3 – has been phenomenal. We received overwhelming support from the community, garnering an impressive 33K pledges and delivering over 60K iMicros to backers across 75 countries. Our achievements in portable microscopy were groundbreaking, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of you for your unwavering support.

Driven by our commitment to excellence, we have continually strived to enhance and refine the iMicros over time. Today, we are proud to unveil our latest innovation – the iMicro Q3p, a powerful smartphone microscope with a polarizing function, based on the exceptional resolution and magnification of the iMicro Q3.

What is the Fingertip Microscope (iMicro Q3p)?

Since Antony van Leeuwenhoek’s revolutionary invention in the 17th century, microscope technology has seen remarkable progress. However, even in their portable versions, high-performance microscopes are often associated with bulkiness, weight, and high costs. But in 2018, we introduced the game-changing iMicro Q – a true marvel in mobile microscopy. Its optical performance rivaled that of professional desktop microscopes while being as portable as your smartphone. Later, in 2020, we took it a step further with the iMicro Q2, which offered enhanced compatibility with any smartphone. In 2021, we introduced the iMicro Q2p, featuring an added polarizing function. In 2023, we developed the iMicro Q3, featuring a unique optical structure that set new standards for magnification and resolution.

Polarized light is a contrast-enhancing technique that improves the quality of images obtained from birefringent materials, such as crystals, minerals, liquid crystals, and plastics. The polarized light microscope (polarizing microscope) is designed to observe and photograph specimens primarily due to their optically anisotropic character. Usually, a polarized light microscope is much more expensive and only available to professionals.

Today, we invite you to experience the future of microscopy with the iMicro Q3p, a marvel of innovation that brings polarizing functionality based on the iMicro Q3. Thank you for being part of our journey, and we can’t wait to share this incredible advancement with you all. Together, let’s continue pushing the boundaries of what technology can achieve.

Highlights

• Very high-resolution power: below a single micron
• Very high magnification power: up to 1200x
• Polarizing function integrated
• Stable focus control with the focusing stand
• Very low distortion: Comparable to a desktop microscope
• Extremely low profile and weight: ½ inch and ~1/60 oz
• Extremely easy to carry: Packed in a card-sized PP case
• Extremely low cost: ~1% of the price of a desktop microscope
• Easy to use on any camera phone

Here are some micrographs taken with the iMicro Q3p (using a Samsung Galaxy S10e):

Presented below are additional sample micrographs with and without polarizers, showcasing the iMicro Q3p’s impressive polarizing function, which dramatically enhances contrast with rich colors.

Key features of iMicro Q3p

• Submicron resolution
The resolution capacity of optical microscopes is constrained by both interference phenomena and the wavelength of visible light. Achieving resolutions in the hundreds of nanometers, which align with the wavelength of visible light, poses a significant challenge. Like the iMicro Q3, the iMicro Q3p reaches resolution levels at the submicron scale. The following micrograph shows a pattern on a chromium photomask used in the production of integrated circuits (ICs). This pattern includes line pairs with varying line widths, ranging from 0.25 to 1.5 microns. Impressively, the iMicro Q3p lens can resolve line pairs as small as 0.75 microns. This is evident from the gray intensity plot, which clearly illustrates the distinct pattern, serving as compelling evidence of its exceptional 0.75-micron resolution.

• Extremely high magnification: up to 1200x
The iMicro Q3p represents a remarkable advancement in magnification capabilities, building upon the impressive foundation and optical excellence of the iMicro Q3.

• Stable focus control with the focusing stand
Considering the valuable input from our dedicated backers, we’ve developed a precision-focused stand and integrated it into the iMicro Q3p. This addition proves to be especially crucial when dealing with the elevated magnification levels of the iMicro Q3p.

• Very low distortion: Comparable to a desktop microscope
We used a grid calibration target to test the distortion. No noticeable distortion was observed, even at the edge of the visual field.

• Enhanced contrast and colors with the polarizing function
Polarized light is a contrast-enhancing technique that improves the quality of images obtained from birefringent materials, such as crystals, minerals, and liquid crystals. The polarized light microscope is designed to observe and photograph specimens primarily due to their optically anisotropic character. Some samples have weak contrast under a standard microscope. The following micrographs of crystals from urine and a thin polymer plate deformed for demonstration purposes show how cross-polarizers can make details clear. This provides a solid demo for identifying sample details and defects in products.

• Extremely low profile and weight: ½ inch and ~1/60 oz, easy to carry
Measuring just about the size of a fingertip and weighing a mere 0.5g (~1/60 oz), the iMicro Q3p boasts an incredibly slim profile, measuring a mere 3.2mm (1/8 inch) in thickness. Its design ensures seamless integration with your phone – no parts protrude beyond the phone’s edge when installed. Even with the addition of the focusing stand, the device’s compact form factor is maintained. It still adheres to card-like dimensions, easily fitting into a wallet or any pocket, ensuring your microscopy adventures remain discreet and convenient.

• μRuler and Dedicated App: for professional needs
Included with the iMicro Q3p is a top-tier μRuler M (stage micrometer), meticulously selected to calibrate the scale bar within our App, i-Seeing. This invaluable tool empowers accurate size measurement.

• Extremely low cost: ~1% of the price of a desktop microscope
We are as proud of the Fingertip Microscope as we are committed to making it accessible to everyone. For the price of a conventional desktop microscope, you could acquire numerous Fingertip Microscopes, making it an excellent choice for students and young learners. We aim to ensure that the wonders of microscopy are within reach for everyone.

• Easy to use on any camera phone
Like the iMicro Q2(p), Q3, and C lenses, the iMicro Q3p is designed in a compact circular style, ensuring compatibility with virtually any smartphone equipped with a camera. Using an ingenious, reusable nano-suction pad, these lenses seamlessly attach to your phone. Whether your device features a single rear camera or multiple, flat or extruded, these diminutive round lenses are crafted to match your smartphone’s camera setup.

How to use it?

Principle and Development Process

• The Magnification
Magnification in a Fingertip Microscope is different from that of a traditional microscope. The conventional compound microscope uses a sophisticated optical system comprising objective and eyepiece elements. The overall magnification arises from the combined effects of these two components.

In the case of our Fingertip Microscope, a three-stage magnification process culminates in achieving total magnification. Initially, the lens instigates optical magnification, generating an image on the smartphone camera sensor. Subsequently, this image on the sensor is projected onto a significantly larger screen through electronic processing and further magnification. Lastly, digital zoom contributes an additional level of magnification, enhancing the image through digital means. The synergistic outcome of these three stages yields the total magnification in our Fingertip Microscope, showcasing the harmonious convergence of optical and digital techniques.

The traditional polarizing microscope has a complex structure. Especially, a polarizer and another polarizer (analyzer) are added before and after the specimen in the optical system. For iMicro Q3p, we mimic this polarizing structure but keep it in a small profile.

• Development Path and Process
Our journey to develop these smartphone-based microscopic tools began in 2012 when we first registered our patent. Over the years, we’ve made significant progress, resulting in a successful array of smartphone microscope products. This lineup includes the iMICROSCOPE, iMICROSCOPE R, the μRuler, iMicro Q, iMicro C, iMicro Q2, the iMicro Q2p, iMicro Q3, and our latest addition, the iMicro Q3p.

Throughout this process, we’ve meticulously honed and refined the concept of the Fingertip Microscope, drawing invaluable insights from the suggestions and comments of our previous backers and customers, grounded in the success of our prior projects. At each stage, from optics to overall design, we’ve engaged in optimization, extensively testing and refining prototypes to achieve the pinnacle of performance. Our dedication has ensured that every facet of our Fingertip Microscope reflects the culmination of feedback-driven enhancement and technical finesse.

• Structure Detail
 

Comparison of iMicro Q3, Q2p, Q2, and C

What People Say About Fingertip Microscope

Media Loves iMicro

Applications

Compact and ultra-portable, this device eliminates complex configurations, granting immediate image capture capabilities for reports and seamless image sharing with colleagues. Furthermore, its compatibility extends to virtually any smartphone, ensuring versatile usability.

Its potential spans numerous professions, finding utility wherever precise images and easily accessible research photographs are essential in the field. Our community of previous backers has generously shared their applications, often accompanied by stunning and distinctive imagery captured using our Fingertip Microscopes. Presented here are a handful of illustrative examples. These images originate from our backers, showcasing the iMicro 3, iMicro Q2(p), and iMicro C integrated with their phones. We’ve also included test photos demonstrating the polarizing function’s capabilities. This feature further amplifies the device’s potential, offering expanded applications and heightened efficacy.

Key aspects

Rewards