Crime scene investigators, dermatologists and science students are among the diverse customers a Lake Oswego company is targeting with what it bills as the first professional microscope attachment for iPhones and iPads.

Bodelin Technologies began selling the attachment earlier this month and reports a response unlike any it's seen in the company's more than 10 years of making hand-held microscopes. "It's been the biggest hit we've ever had with a product out of the gate," said Clay Baker, Bodelin general manager. "We're having a hard time keeping up with orders, which is a good problem to have."

While a handful of companies make microscope attachments for mobile devices, Bodelin's has more zoom power -- up to 80-power magnification -- and is equipped with a ring of 12 LED lights to illuminate an object. It works through the camera app of an iPhone, iPad, iPad mini or iPod Touch, allowing users to simply take pictures or video.

Clay Baker, who grew up in Gladstone and graduated from Oregon State University, says he uses Oregon companies as suppliers whenever he can. The microscopes are assembled in Lake Oswego.

Baker said the company's biggest market for the microscope will likely be schools, where Apple has sold millions of iPads to meet the demand for technology in the classroom, but there are many others.

Industrial parts manufacturers could use it for quality control. In the cosmetics industry, dermatologists could monitor a mole or skin condition, beauty product companies could document the effectiveness of creams and hair replacement businesses could get a close-up on hair growth.

Bodelin's other devices -- hand-held microscopes that transmit images wirelessly or through a USB cable -- have long been used by crime scene detectives and in the TV shows that mimic them, including the "CSI" franchise.

Rod Englert, who investigated major crimes and homicides for the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office and continues similar work with his forensic analysis firm, said Bodelin's devices allow him to quickly send off photos in a text message or email to partners who aren't at the scene. Those up-close photos of bloody clothing or bullet holes can be labeled as evidence to be later used in court.

"It's one of the handiest tools I've ever worked with," Englert said.

ProScope Micro Mobile

What

: The first professional microscope for the iPhone, iPad, iPad Mini, and iPod Touch

Cost

: $149.

Manufacturer

: Bodelin Technologies of Lake Oswego, a five-employee division of Computer Stores Northwest. The privately held umbrella company also operates The Mac Store and PowerMax, which sell Apple products.

Where to buy or learn more

:

; 800-441-6877.

While Bodelin is working with national and international distributors to sell its microscope, Baker, who grew up in Gladstone, attended Oregon State University and now lives in Lake Oswego, focuses on Oregon when it comes to production.

Baker said he uses Oregon companies whenever he can to make various parts, including a plastics company in Newberg to make the case and one in Medford that does the circuit boards. The device is assembled in a small room in the company's Lake Oswego office by one of Bodelin's five employees.

Baker also contracts with local engineers to help with the design, since he's is the only one on Bodelin's staff who works on product development. "It's fun to bring work to this local area, and there's an amazing amount of technology and ability in the Northwest," he said.

The company is busy filling a rush of orders for now, but Baker is already thinking about how to expand on the new product by creating interchangeable lenses -- maybe one that's polarizing or higher magnifying -- or creating a microscope for Android phones or tablets.

"We've got a lot more to do with this device," Baker said.

-- Victoria Edwards