Democratizing van der Waals Materials with LEDs and 3D Printers

Van der Waals materials are crystals that can be split into layers at the atomic level and essential to many emerging products on the market. The goal of this research was to adapt a standard optical microscope to allow study and manipulation of van der Waals materials. To achieve the former an LED circuit was built into the microscope. For the latter a 3D printer and standard mill were used to construct a sample holder, a platform, and a spacer. These components, along with other off-the-shelf products, made an ensemble that can move, and stack van der Waals flakes. The methods, design, and capabilities are discussed.