Cheap ‘stick-on lens’ turns any smartphone or tablet into a microscope

A young developer has created a lens that can be stuck to the camera module of a smartphone or tablet. In this way, the mobile device can be used as a microscope. The lens is sold for 15 dollars, converted almost 11 euros.

The so-called Micro Phone Lens is a small lens that can be stuck on the camera module of a mobile device, such as a smartphone or tablet. The project was previously successfully funded via Kickstarter, with creator Thomas Larson now starting to sell the accessory through his own website. The lens, which can provide 15x magnification, is subject to a $15 fee with an additional $5 for international shipping.

Larson is also already working on a second version of his microscope lens. There is still a Kickstarter campaign running for this, in which the intended amount has already been raised. This second version can provide 150x magnification. Those who invest $29 or more can buy the lens, while for another $10 extra, a light is also included.

It is not the first accessory to turn a smartphone or tablet into a microscope. However, most of these types of accessories are large attachments that make the smartphone or tablet considerably larger. The stick-on lens takes up hardly any space.