From 2018 to 2021, our journey on Kickstarter and Indiegogo with the Fingertip Microscopes – iMicro Q, iMicro C, iMicro Q2, and iMicro Q2p – was phenomenal. We received overwhelming support from the community, garnering an impressive 25K pledges and delivering over 50K iMicros to backers across 70 countries. Our achievement in portable microscopy was groundbreaking, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all of you for your unwavering support.

Driven by our commitment to excellence, we have relentlessly strived to enhance and refine the iMicros over time. Today, we stand proud as we unveil our latest innovation – the iMicro Q3, a powerful smartphone microscope with even better resolution and higher magnification capabilities.

What is the Fingertip Microscope (iMicro Q3)?

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 exorbitant costs. But in 2018, we introduced the game-changing iMicro Q – a true marvel in mobile microscopy. Its optical performance rivaled professional desktop microscopes while being as portable as your smartphone. Later, in 2020, we took it a step further with the iMicro Q2, which boasted enhanced compatibility with any smartphone. In 2021, we introduced the iMicro Q2p, featuring an added polarizing function.

Achieving outstanding optical performance in such a tiny phone microscope was no easy feat. Yet, with relentless dedication, we developed the iMicro Q3, featuring a unique optical structure that sets new standards for magnification and resolution.

Today, we invite you to experience the future of microscopy with the iMicro Q3 – a marvel of innovation that redefines what a fingertip microscope can do. 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
• 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 Card size PP case
• Extremely low cost: ~1% of the price of a desktop microscope
• Easy use on any camera phone

Here are some micrographs taken with iMicro Q3 (using a Samsung Galaxy S10e):

Presented below are additional sample micrographs showcasing iMicro Q3’s impressive resolution and heightened magnification capabilities.

The final micrograph is a section of a pattern found on a chromium photomask utilized in the production of integrated circuits (ICs). This pattern incorporates line pairs with varying line widths, ranging from 0.25 to 1.5 microns. Impressively, the iMicro Q3 lens demonstrates the capability to 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.

Key features of iMicro Q3

The first smartphone microscope achieves 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. In this context, the iMicro Q3 emerges as the trailblazing smartphone microscope that achieves resolution levels at the submicron scale. It can resolve the USAF1951 test target group 9, element 4, corresponding to 0.69 microns.

Extremely high magnification: up to 1200x

The iMicro Q3 represents a remarkable advancement in magnification capabilities over its predecessor, the iMicro Q2. Building upon the impressive foundation of the iMicro Q2, we have pushed the boundaries further to provide you with an even more powerful magnification experience.

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 Q3. This addition proves to be especially crucial when dealing with the elevated magnification levels of the iMicro Q3.

Very low distortion: Comparable to a desktop microscope

We used a grid calibration target to test the distortion. No noticeable distortion was observed, even in full view at the edge of the visual field.

Extremely low profile and weight: ½ inch and ~1/60 oz, easy to carry

Measuring just about the size of a fingertip and tipping the scales at a mere 0.5g (~1/60 oz), the iMicro Q3 boasts an incredibly slim profile, measuring a mere 3.2mm (1/8 inch) in thickness. Its design ensures a seamless integration with your phone – no parts protrude beyond the phone’s edge when installed. Moreover, adding the focusing stand maintains the device’s compact form factor. It still adheres to the card-like dimensions, effortlessly fitting into a wallet or any pocket, ensuring your microscopy adventures remain discreet and convenient.

Extremely low cost: ~1% of the price of a desktop microscope

Our pride in the Fingertip Microscope is matched only by our commitment to making it accessible to all. With a budget equivalent to 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 use on any camera phone

Much like the iMicro Q2(p) lens and iMicro C lens, the design of the iMicro Q3 follows a compact circular style, ensuring compatibility with virtually any smartphone equipped with a camera. Through 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 the fingertip microscope hinges on a sophisticated optical system akin to traditional compound microscopes, 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 the total magnification. Initially, the lens instigates optical magnification, generating an image on the smartphone camera sensor. Subsequently, this image 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.

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 traversed a considerable distance, resulting in a successful array of smartphone microscope products. This lineup includes the iMICROSCOPE, iMICROSCOPE R, the μRuler, iMicro Q, iMicro C, iMicro Q2, and our latest addition, the iMicro Q2p.

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 a process of 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

The essential techniques

multi-element aspherical micro-lens

In our system, the lens plays a pivotal role. While the concept of a small ball lens, reminiscent of van Leeuwenhoek’s design, offers simplicity, it’s essential to acknowledge its inherent limitations. Notably, it struggles with a confined usable field of view due to pronounced field curvature effects, spherical aberrations, and other optical distortions.

Setting itself apart, the iMicro Q3 embraces a sophisticated, multi-aspherical lens design. Building upon the Q2’s foundation, the Q3 introduces an additional element. This design evolution creates a harmonious synergy that enhances magnification capabilities and mitigates aberrations. This thoughtful integration of design elements culminates in an optical performance characterized by exceptional clarity and precision, elevating your microscopy experience.

Innovative illumination: Reflection/transmission lighting with polarizer

In the realm of microscopy, light and illumination are foundational cornerstones. Within today’s landscape, smartphones come equipped with cameras and integrated flashlights.

Much like its predecessor, the iMicro Q2, the iMicro Q3 employs the innovative Reflective/Transmission illumination approach. Within this ingenious design, the slim PP case takes on a dual role – not only as a safeguarding enclosure but also as a conduit for light, transforming into a light-reflective illumination box. This intricate interplay involves the flashlight and ambient light entering a transparent light guide, which bathes the sample in illumination. Concurrently, light reflects off the lower surface of the delicate PP case, further enhancing the overall sample brightness. This adaptability underscores its compatibility across various phone camera lens-flash configurations, ensuring a seamless experience across diverse smartphone models. Additionally, it accommodates devices lacking flashlights, thriving just as effectively in ambient light conditions or near external light sources.

Seamless coupling with the smartphone: Nano-suction pad attachment

Diverging from conventional adhesives, the nano suction pad draws inspiration from the gecko’s footpads. Comprising thousands of micro air pockets, it operates akin to micro-suction cups, securely affixing the device to the phone.

With each attachment and detachment, the phone remains unmarked. This novel “nano suction pad” introduces a residue-free, non-tacky quality and remarkable reusability. This technology has demonstrated its effectiveness in our previous product and offers a repeatable and easily cleaned solution using a PSA tape, such as Scotch tape.

Stable focus with focusing stand

We are confident that this focusing stand will significantly enhance your microscopic observations, offering exceptional functionality while maintaining a discreet presence. Crafted from durable engineering plastic (PMMA, acrylic resin), it supports extended use. Its design is deliberately uncomplicated, ensuring easy setup and operation. Once you’ve finished using it, disassembly is straightforward, and the stand can be conveniently stored within the thin PP case.

μRuler and Dedicated App: for professional needs

Included with the iMicro Q3 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. To delve deeper into this offering, we invite you to explore our past campaign, “μRuler – A Micro-Ruler to Measure Micro-Objects.”

The μRuler Q will be readily available as an optional addition for those seeking even more.

Furthermore, the iMicro Q3 seamlessly interfaces with any camera app capable of flashlight control during capture or when external torch illumination is supplied. Yet, for situations where a precisely calibrated scale bar is pivotal to the micrograph’s integrity, we have introduced the dedicated i-Seeing app. Tailored to meet the demands of professionals, this application ensures micrographs of the highest quality. Notably, the scale bar on the micrograph can be toggled on or off as needed, allowing for the seamless integration of a scale bar if required.

Comparison of iMicro Q3, Q2p, Q2 and C

What people say about Fingertip Microscope

Media loves iMicro

Application

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 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.

Highlights

Rewards

Timeline