Microsphere-Toward Future of Optical Microscopes

Lianwei Chen; Yan Zhou; Rui Zhou; Minghui Hong

doi:10.1016/j.isci.2020.101211

Microsphere-Toward Future of Optical Microscopes

iScience. 2020 Jun 26;23(6):101211. doi: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.101211. Epub 2020 May 28.

Authors

Lianwei Chen¹, Yan Zhou², Rui Zhou³, Minghui Hong⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 3, Singapore 117576, Singapore.
² Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 3, Singapore 117576, Singapore; NUS Graduate School for Integrative Sciences and Engineering, National University of Singapore, 21 Lower Kent Ridge, Singapore 119077, Singapore.
³ School of Aerospace Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
⁴ Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National University of Singapore, 4 Engineering Drive 3, Singapore 117576, Singapore. Electronic address: elehmh@nus.edu.sg.

Abstract

Optical microscope is one of the most widely used imaging tools for its great flexibility, reliable design, and low cost. Optical microsphere nanoscope (OMN) is invented as a method that can greatly enhance the observation power of conventional optical microscopes. In this perspective, the promising outlook for this approach is briefly discussed. There exists a great freedom to apply this method in various applications. OMN has been successfully commercialized. Our past experience and strategies are summarized in this perspective, which serves as a good reference for the future technology entrepreneurs. Based on our story and model, the factors for success are listed. It can be used to evaluate other commercialization projects and find out the directions that require further improvement.

Keywords: Nanotechnology; Optical Imaging; Photonics.

Publication types

Review