OSU Engineers Develop 3D Microscope

Engineers at The Ohio State University have invented a lens that enables microscopic objects to be seen from nine different angles at once to create a 3D image.  While other 3D microscopes use multiple lenses or cameras that move around an object, the new lens is the first single, stationary lens to create microscopic 3D images by itself.

The lens was developed by Allen Yi, associate professor of integrated systems engineering, and postdoctoral researcher Lei Li.  The National Institutes of Health funded the research. 
Yi describes the prototype they developed as a proof of concept for manufacturers of microelectronics and medical devices who currently use very complex machinery to view the tiny components that they assemble.

“Ultimately, we hope to help manufacturers reduce the number and sizes of equipment they need to miniaturize products,” says Yi. 

For complete details, see the release from OSU.