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Discovery Boxes

Modular, educational kits to explore optics — from basics to advanced microscopy and quantum experiments.

Each Box builds on the previous one, forming a progressive learning path from classical lens experiments to laser-based quantum setups.

CoreBox – Entry-Level Education Box​

The foundation of the UC2 Discovery Series. Perfect for classrooms, workshops, and self-learners.

What you’ll learn:

  • Basic principles of geometric optics
  • How to build a lens, telescope, and simple microscope
  • Puzzle-based assembly of components

Included experiments:

  • Focal length measurement
  • Telescope assembly
  • Smartphone microscope

📄 Documentation →

ElectronicsBox – Enhance with Interactivity​

Expands the CoreBox with electronics modules to enable illumination and motion control.

What you’ll learn:

  • Working with microcontrollers (e.g., ESP32)
  • Digital phase contrast with LED arrays
  • Motorized Z-stage for focus control

Included modules:

  • LED Matrix
  • Motor driver + linear stage
  • Neopixels + touch buttons

Documentation →

🔬 InfinityBox – Camera-Based Imaging​

Adds optical components for infinity-corrected microscopy.

What you’ll learn:

  • How to use objective lenses in an infinity-corrected system
  • Aligning tube lenses and cameras
  • Capturing digital images with CMOS sensors

Compatible with:

  • USB microscopes
  • Daheng / HIK industrial cameras

Documentation →

FluoBox – Fluorescence Microscopy​

Expands on the InfinityBox with fluorescence modules.

What you’ll learn:

  • Excitation/emission principles
  • Filter cube design
  • Using lasers or high-power LEDs for illumination

Experiments:

  • Visualizing stained samples
  • Building a basic epifluorescence microscope

📄 Documentation →

LightSheetBox – 3D Imaging of Transparent Samples​

Create a laser-based light-sheet microscope using XYZ motion.

What you’ll learn:

  • Optical sectioning via light sheet illumination
  • Using linear stages for scanning
  • Working with cylindrical lenses

Included modules:

  • Galvo or mirror scanning
  • Fluorescence + sheet shaping optics
  • Motorized XYZ movement

📄 Documentation →

QBox – Quantum & Interference Experiments​

Explore the wave nature of light and the quantum world.

Experiments:

  • Michelson & Mach-Zehnder Interferometer
  • Brewster angle and polarization
  • Newton’s rings
  • Holography-based reconstruction

What you’ll learn:

  • Optical coherence
  • Interference and diffraction
  • Digital holography

📄 Documentation →

Seeed Microscope – Autonomous Smart Microscope​

Built with Seeed Studio — a ready-to-use, standalone microscope.

Features:

  • Raspberry Pi or ESP32 based
  • Autofocus + timelapse
  • Local image storage on SD card
  • Controlled via Wi-Fi or USB

Ideal for:

  • Hackers
  • Field biologists
  • Schools and maker spaces

📄 Documentation →