Some Answers to some general openUC2 questions

General
1

Since some people reached out to us, here are some general Q/A pieces :slight_smile:

Q1: What can I build with the openUC2 system?

A: The core philosophy of openUC2 is rapid prototyping for optics and microscopy. In principle, almost any optical setup or classical physics experiment that can be built on traditional optical rails/cage systems (e.g., Thorlabs) can be recreated using openUC2 modular blocks (BOXes).

Q2: Is there a tool to design or preview setups before building?

A: Yes! We are currently developing a new 3D Online Configurator (expected in the coming months). In the meantime, existing setups and step-by-step guides can be explored on the openUC2 Documentation Portal.

Q3: How can I visualize the Point Spread Function (PSF) and Airy Disc?

A:

  • 2D / Airy Disc: Combine openUC2 pinhole slides with a laser source and a camera setup.

  • 3D PSF Volume: Dissolve fluorescent markers (e.g., highlighter ink/Stabilo) in water and image the suspended glowing particles along the Z-axis in a fluorescence microscope.

  • Required Modules: coreBOX + InfinityBOX + FluoBOX + ElectroBOX

  • Reference: LED Fluorescence Microscope Guide

Q4: Can I demonstrate optical aberrations (Chromatic, Spherical, Coma, Astigmatism)?

A: Yes:

  • Chromatic / Spherical Aberrations: Demonstrated using cylindrical lenses or uncorrected optics.

  • Astigmatism / Coma: Can be visually demonstrated by using low-cost mirrors that are intentionally tensioned/bent and fixed onto custom 3D-printed mounts.

Q5: Can openUC2 demonstrate light diffraction (single/double slits, diffraction gratings)?

A: Yes! Light diffraction and interference experiments are natively supported and fully documented as part of the HoloBOX modules.

Q6: How do I demonstrate Numerical Aperture (NA), Depth of Field, and Resolution Limits?

A: These fundamental principles are demonstrated using the Abbe Diffraction Experiment setup, which allows variable pupil filtering and spatial frequency manipulation.

Q7: Can I demonstrate oblique illumination, higher-order diffraction, and resolution enhancement?

A: Yes! Asymmetric/oblique illumination and Fourier filtering can be realized using the Differential Phase Contrast (DPC) setup.

Q8: Is it possible to make the Fourier plane (Back Focal Plane) visible?

A: Yes, the Fourier plane is directly accessible and viewable in real-time within the Abbe BOX setup.

Q9: Can I contribute a new experiment or request help documenting one?

A: Absolutely! All openUC2 documentation is open-source and community-driven. If you want to build or document a specific experiment, the openUC2 core team can help co-author, design, and publish the documentation on our official portal.