PhoneMicro300X

Apexel pitches PhoneMicro300X as an answer to the bulk, cost and footprint of conventional microscopes. According to the maker, the lens uses a universal clip-on design intended to work with any smartphone model, so it can be attached and used without specialist knowledge. "The era of heavy, expensive equipment taking up space is over," the development team says.

Magnification and lighting

The headline figure is 300x magnification, which the maker says delivers sharp, high-definition images. The campaign cites examples such as the compound eyes of insects, patterns in plant cells and tiny inclusions inside gemstones, and says the lens reveals detail that 100x or 200x lenses cannot. Apexel also states that the phone's own zoom can be used on top of the 300x lens, letting users move from an overall structure, such as a leaf surface, down to finer features like stomata.

The source mentions 19 illumination modes for the product overall, and separately says the high-brightness LED ring light offers 7 light modes and switches on automatically when powered, for use in bright or dark conditions.

UV and polarized viewing

A 365nm UV light is included for fluorescence observation. The maker claims it emits nearly pure UV, limiting the visible violet light that can interfere with fluorescence viewing on typical UV lamps, and suggests uses in counterfeit detection, mineral analysis and identifying biological pigments. A CPL (circular polarizing) lens is intended to suppress surface reflections on objects like gemstones and ceramics so internal flaws, inclusions and fine patterns are easier to see.

Portability and use cases

According to Apexel, the lens fits in a pocket, bag or wallet and clips on firmly enough that it will not fall off even when shaken hard. Because it relies on the phone's camera, images and video can be shared directly via social media or email. The campaign highlights several applications:

• Science education: recording cell structures at 300x
• Gems and crafts: examining inclusions to assess authenticity
• Nature exploration: capturing insect compound eyes
• Industrial inspection: spotting tiny cracks in circuit boards