Lens-free virus viewing thanks to a webcam

It may soon be possible to view cells, bacteria, and viruses without a lens by using a simple webcam CMOS image sensor and LED lights. While this may sound like something concocted by a mad scientist, it is in fact a practical idea that Leti and UCLA researchers have been working on for the past four years. The results of their research—which gave rise to several patents—were published in Nature Photonics.

The images generated by this system, once processed, make it extremely easy to identify and count the number of cells on a 25-mm2 surface. To identify bacteria and viruses, some 10 to 100 times smaller, scientists simply need to add a biocompatible liquid wetting agent that serves as an indicator. The researchers have formed partnerships with businesses and universities to further develop their method.

Contact: cedric.allier@cea.fr

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