OpenScan Hardware

This document describes our approach to documenting microscopes built on optical breadboards for the purpose of sharing as open hardware.

As a concrete example, a basic two-photon scanning microscope is (to be) described using the approach. It is hoped that variations, extensions, and other designs (confocal, …) will be added by us and others—the intent is to provide something where people can contribute and also reuse as a baseline for documenting microscope builds they develop.

Current Status: This is a work in progress. Many sections are incomplete.

Danger

You must follow good laser safety practices when working with lasers. You must be fully trained according to your institutional policy and follow all applicable safety guidelines and legislation. Among other dangers, the lasers used here can do instant and permanent damage to your eyesight if not handled correctly.

• Conventions for documenting optical breadboard assemblies
• Alignment procedures for optical breadboard assemblies
• OpenScan two-photon microscope