Prototype of a Digital Holographic Microscope for Studying Marine Plankton

Marine plankton is a key component of aquatic ecosystems. Development of modern and accessible tools for studying planktonic organisms is a relevant and important task. Aim of the study was to develop a device that would be highly accessible and useful for researchers of marine plankton. A prototype of a lensless microscope with an original design that utilizes digital holographic microscopy to visualize marine plankton is presented. Combination of an FDM-manufactured frame, a minimal set of optical and electronic components, and the ability to use open-source software makes it a viable alternative to conventional microscopes for studying planktonic organisms. The device is designed to work with both standard microscope slides and a flow cell, enabling automated sample processing and rapid analysis while, preserving the sample for subsequent conservation and in-depth examination using standard methods.