RANDOM ACCESS PARALLELMICROSCOPY
Move the lenses.
Find the focus.
Oscillatory
imaging.
I’m developing an oscillatory imaging approach for RAP. The lens array moves through focus while the sample, reflector, and camera stay fixed. Image-sharpness measurements provide a way to identify the best capture window in each cycle.
My design draws on the OpenFlexure Microscope Project. Four printed diamond flexures guide the carrier, connecting a fixed frame to the moving lens array.
I’m developing this system as an independent research project at McGill University under the supervision of Dr. Gil Bub, with assistance and advice from Dr. Miguel Romero Sepulveda and Alexia Salman. The project builds on the original RAP research published in eLife.
Machine vision.
No desktop.
I’m moving RAP acquisition and analysis onto the iPad, removing the need for a desktop computer. The iPad connects directly to an Allied Vision Alvium USB camera.
My iPadOS application supports live acquisition, TIFF capture, focus scoring, and experiment setup. Recorded images and settings stay together for review.
I’m also working with Apple’s Foundation Models framework and developing ML/AI methods for focus optimization and automatic calibration.
Arduino
to ESP32.
I’m replacing the Arduino controller with an ESP32-DevKitV1 to connect instrument control with the iPad. Experiment settings travel over Bluetooth; sequencing and illumination run locally on the ESP32.
I’ve demonstrated Bluetooth communication and manual LED control on hardware. Camera images use a separate USB connection to the iPad.
Redesigned
lens carrier.
I redesigned the original RAP lens carrier around two priorities: lower moving mass and enough stiffness to resist internal flexing during oscillation. The open lattice retains all 24 lens positions at the original 18 mm pitch.
Two long and two short diamond flexures guide the carrier as a single moving structure. A fixed frame supports the four actuators, and extended fork pegs connect the carrier to the flexures.