Microscope

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Overview - The $1 video microscope

With additional lenses, the XO can be used as a video microscope. A prototype $1 lens exists.

A video of Mary Lou's prototype microscope attachment for the XO video camera. She compares the screens of an XO and a "normal" laptop.

The microscope, which has ~ 100× magnification, could be useful to analyzing water quality, among other things.

Other microscopes

The XO has been used with the now-discontinued $100 Intel Play QX3 USB Microscope.[1]

Techniques

Magnification is often only the first step in being able to see details.

Aside from staining, a variety of techniques might be adapted to the XO. QX3 techniques suggests some possibilities.

Dark field microscopy

Also known as "darkfield microscopy".

In direct sunlight, with a small square of black construction paper, it might be possible to do a form of dark field microscopy. As here.