# FlowFlexure Microscope

An open source flow imaging microscope

## Overview

FlowFlexure is an open-source hardware flow imaging microscope designed for high-throughput imaging and analysis, particularly useful for plankton research. Built on the preliminary work of the OpenFlexure Project, FlowFlexure adds specialized functionality for flow imaging microscopy to serve a broader range of scientific applications. It features standard microscope optics that make it more modular and enhance image quality.

This project aims to offer a more accessible, cost-effective, and higher-quality alternative to existing systems like the PlanktoScope. We are currently at a proof-of-concept stage and welcome contributions to help move the project forward.

## Features

- **Flow Imaging**: Advanced flow imaging capabilities for dynamic samples.
- **Modular Design**: Easily customize and extend functionalities.
- **Standard Microscope Optics**: Provides superior image quality.
- **High-Quality Software** : Based on [advanced image processing and analysis tools](https://openflexure.org/software/).
- **Cost-Effective**: Easier and cheaper to manufacture than current market alternatives.

## Getting Started

- Order the parts from the [Bill off Material](./hardware/BOM.md)
- Print the 3D parts from the [release page](https://code.srx.dev/srx/flowflexure-microscope/releases)
- Assemble the microscope as described in the [assembly instructions](./docs/assembly.md)

## Contributing

Feel free to open an [issue for bugs, feature requests, or questions](./issues). We appreciate all contributions to help improve the FlowFlexure microscope.

## License

This project follows the [REUSE Specification](https://reuse.software/spec/) and is licensed under the following:

- [Software: The GNU General Public License v3.0 Licence](./LICENSES/GPL-3.0-or-later.txt)
- [Hardware: CERN Open Hardware strongly reciprocal Licence](./LICENSES/CERN-OHL-S-2.0.txt)
- [Documentation: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 Licence](./LICENSES/CC-BY-SA-4.0.txt)

## Acknowledgements

To all the contributors to the following open source communities for their continued support:

- [OpenFlexure Project](https://openflexure.org/)
- [Planktoscope Project](https://www.planktoscope.org/)