Microscope lenses are typically made either by grinding and polishing glass discs, or pouring polymers into molds – both techniques can be quite involved, which is reflected in the price of the finished product. Now, however, a scientist from Australian National University has devised a new lens-making process, in which drops of silicone are simply baked in an oven. The resulting lenses can be used for a variety of applications, yet are worth less than one cent each.
Developed by Dr. Steve Lee, the process begins with a drop of a gel-like silicone polymer known as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) being placed on a glass microscope slide. That drop is then baked on the slide at 70ºC (158ºF), causing it to harden into a flat disc that will serve as the base of the lens.
via Gizmag
Image: Stuart Hay
