Digital Reflected-Light Microscope
Digital Reflected-Light Microscope

A Sophisticated Research-Capability in the Hands of Everyone

A Sophisticated Research-Capability in the Hands of Everyone

Image: graphene flake at 20μm, seen through the microscope.
Image: graphene flake at 20μm, seen through the microscope.

The Digital Reflected-Light Microscope and Graphene Mapping System is an award-winning low-cost scientific instrumentation project developed by Kilian Günthner to make advanced materials research more accessible. High-quality reflected-light microscopes capable of identifying graphene and other ultra-thin materials typically cost thousands to tens of thousands of euros, placing them beyond the reach of many schools and early-stage researchers. Kilian designed a system using custom optics, calibration hardware, and software to retrofit standard microscopes into tools capable of visualizing graphene flakes. The project won first prize in Technology at the North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) state level of Jugend forscht, and was later cited by researchers as an enabling tool for early graphene experimentation.

Comparison: graphene sample at 20μm under different microscopes:

Graphene Sample at 20μm, seen under a microscope of RWTH Aachen (well above €10,000).

Microscope of RWTH Aachen (well above €10,000).

Graphene Sample at 20μm, seen under a Leitz Laborlux 12 POL S (circa €10,000)..

Leitz Laborlux 12 POL S (circa €10,000).

Graphene Sample at 20μm, seen under the digital reflected-light microscope designed by Kilian Günthner for circa €250..

Kilian Günthner's Digital Reflected-Light Microscope (circa €250).

Graphene Sample at 20μm, seen under a microscope of RWTH Aachen (well above €10,000).

Microscope of RWTH Aachen (well above €10,000).

Graphene Sample at 20μm, seen under the digital reflected-light microscope designed by Kilian Günthner for circa €250..

Kilian Günthner's Digital Reflected-Light Microscope (circa €250).

Graphene Sample at 20μm, seen under a Leitz Laborlux 12 POL S (circa €10,000)..

Leitz Laborlux 12 POL S (circa €10,000).

Awards

Jugend forscht - State Level (NRW):