Lens-Free Microscope Records Analyzable Optical Patterns

A lens-free microscope employs light to illuminate objects such as cells or pathogens in a sample, which create light diffraction and interference patterns that can be recorded by an optical detector.

The microscope, dubbed CyMap, was developed by Cancer Research UK (London, UK) scientists and members of the Optical Biochips Consortium. It enables scientists to count the number of cells in a sample, and also to monitor changes over time, such as location, movement, and division. Because the system contains no physical lenses, there is no requirement for focusing or other critical adjustments.

CyMap has potential for use in medical diagnostics systems to quantify and analyze medical samples in hospitals, doctors' surgeries, and clinical laboratories. In addition, the technology could be developed into a compact cell-imaging system for use in research laboratories.

Dr Phil L'Huillier, Cancer Research Technology (CRT; London, UK) director of business management said: "We believe it can be used to cast light on key biological processes, or to develop new hand-held diagnostic devices. Although primarily designed to monitor the characteristics of cancer cells, the device has strong potential in a wide range of other health science fields."

The lens-free microscope won first prize in the Medical and Healthcare category at The Engineer awards. It also won the overall Grand Prix prize at the event, which focused on and celebrated technology and innovation. The 2009 Engineer awards were held at The Royal Society on December 4, 2009.

Related Links:
Cancer Research UK
Cancer Research Technology