title: Open-source 3D-printable optics equipment.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Michigan Tech Open Sustainability Technology Laboratory, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, Michigan, United States of America.
authors.forename: Chenlong
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Nicholas C
authors.initials: NC
authors.lastname: Anzalone
authors.forename: Rodrigo P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Faria
authors.forename: Joshua M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Pearce
mesh_terms: D017076:Computer-Aided Design / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D008280:Magnetics; D055095:Optics and Photonics / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011327:Printing / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013816:Thermodynamics
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