
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:
Press & Media

12-Year-Old Kilian Günthner Builds a Super Microscope from Simple “Ingredients”
Kilian Günthner from Stotzheim made it all the way to the top: he won first prize in the field of Technology at the North Rhine-Westphalia state competition Schüler experimentie...

Kölnische Rundschau (Newspaper)
Young Researcher with a Fan Club of His Own
At the 18th state-level Schüler experimentieren competition, the best young researchers from across North Rhine-Westphalia gathered at RWE. Among them was Kilian Günthner...

Kölner Stadtanzeiger (Newspaper)
Best in North Rhine-Westphalia in the Field of Technology
A high-quality reflected-light microscope typically costs between €10,000 and €100,000. Kilian set himself the ambitious goal of building one at a cost of only €200 to €300...

First Place for the Construction of Reflected-Light Microscope
State Victory for Kilian Günthner. The best young researchers from North Rhine-Westphalia met at RWE in Bochum. Among them was...

Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger
Successes for Young Researchers
Kilian Günthner won the first prize in the subject area of Technology, as well as the Special Award from the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK)...



