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Type Paper
Cite as Citation reference for the source document. Zhang C, Anzalone NC, Faria RP, Pearce JM (2013) Open-Source 3D-Printable Optics Equipment. PLoS ONE 8(3): e59840. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0059840 open access
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Authors Zhang C
Anzalone NC
Faria RP
Joshua M. Pearce
Location Michigan, USA
Status Designed
Modelled
Prototyped
Verified
Verified by MOST
OKH Manifest Download
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Hardware license CERN-OHL-S
Certifications Start OSHWA certification

Just as the power of the open-source design paradigm has driven down the cost of software to the point that it is accessible to most people, the rise of open-source hardware is poised to drive down the cost of doing experimental science to expand access to everyone. To assist in this aim, this paper introduces a library of open-source 3-D-printable optics components. This library operates as a flexible, low-cost public-domain tool set for developing both research and teaching optics hardware. First, the use of parametric open-source designs using an open-source computer aided design package is described to customize the optics hardware for any application. Second, details are provided on the use of open-source 3-D printers (additive layer manufacturing) to fabricate the primary mechanical components, which are then combined to construct complex optics-related devices. Third, the use of the open-source electronics prototyping platform are illustrated as control for optical experimental apparatuses. This study demonstrates an open-source optical library, which significantly reduces the costs associated with much optical equipment, while also enabling relatively easily adapted customizable designs. The cost reductions in general are over 97%, with some components representing only 1% of the current commercial investment for optical products of similar function. The results of this study make its clear that this method of scientific hardware development enables a much broader audience to participate in optical experimentation both as research and teaching platforms than previous proprietary methods.

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Keywords osat, open source optics, 3d printing, open source hardware, optics equipment, open source library
SDG SDG09 Industry innovation and infrastructure
Authors Joshua M. Pearce
License CC-BY-SA-3.0
Organizations MOST, MTU
Language English (en)
Translations French
Related 1 subpages, 20 pages link here
Aliases Open-Source 3D-Printable Optics Equipment, Open-Source Optics
Impact 3,079 page views
Created March 28, 2013 by Joshua M. Pearce
Modified February 28, 2024 by Felipe Schenone
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