Dark Field

We use an 8-segment addressable LED strip with 48 light points in total (6 LED’s x 8 segments) directed towards the sample with different incident light angles in a diffused manner via a semi-transparent acrylic sheet.

Step 1: 3D Print segment

• Each segment is composed of the following parts:

Download STL/incubator_illuminator_hinge.stl
Download STL/incubator_illuminator_support.stl
Download STL/incubator_illuminator_base.stl

• Assemble each segment as shown below:

• Attach each LED segment into the corresponding 3D-printed segment using silicon glue.

Step 2: Install addressable LEDs

• Cut the 60leds/m 12v ws2812b led strip in 6-LED segments (8 segments, 48 light points in total) with a scissors in the right place (the proper places to cut the strip are marked).

• LED strips come with connectors at the end of each segment. After cutting into segments, now solder cables to connect segments of the LED strip in serial. Instructions to solder LED strips can be found here.

• Cut the light difuser using semi-transparent acrylic sheet and screw to the 3D-printed segment.

Download SVG/incubator_illuminator_acrylicBOX.svg

Step 3: 3D Print incubator case

• To hold each segment and direct its light towards the sample we use a 3D-printed frame. This structure allows us to control the incident light angle of each segment and diffuse it to the sample via a semi-transparent acrylic sheet.

• The incubator case is composed of three parts: the frame (in green), a base (in yellow), and a hinge (in purple) that holds each segment using 5" Hexagonal M8 Bolts, Nuts and Washers.

• Cut an hexagonal shape in 5mm clear acrylic and screw to the top of the incubator case:

Download SVG/incubator_illuminator_acrylicTOPclear.svg

Step 4: Connect LED strip to Arduino

• We use a Arduino Mega2560 + Shield to control LEDs using FastLED Arduino library This allows us to define RGB and alpha characteristics of the light in a customizable way for each of the 8 segments according to the user’s preferences using serial communication through Python scripting between the GUI and the Arduino controller.