Open Source STEM

Science, Shared and Simplified.

We build affordable, educational tools for students and hobbyists. From scanning microscopes to chemical simulation engines, we believe technology should be accessible to every curious mind.

View Projects Our Mission

Why we do this

We are an initiative founded to bridge the gap between expensive laboratory equipment and high school education.

Accessibility

Scientific equipment shouldn't cost thousands. We design DIY microscopes and software that run on standard hardware and fit a student budget.

Education

We provide comprehensive documentation, tutorials, and links to ensure anyone can replicate our builds and learn the engineering behind them.

Community

We operate as an open collective. We share knowledge freely and support our local robotics team with hands-on learning, donations, and mentorship.

Hardware

PhotonPeek Microscope

A sub-$100 scanning microscope designed for imaging. PhotonPeek allows you to generate 2D and 3D intensity maps of samples using laser raster scanning.

The system uses an Arduino for hardware control and a Python application for advanced signal processing, offering features usually reserved for university labs.

***Please be aware that this is a work in progress build. The custom firmware and data analysis tools are functional, but build instructions are still underway. The open source parts are liked in the GitHub repository.

<10µm Resolution

$100 Target BOM

2D Multi-Export Options

GitHub Repository Report Issue

Technical Capabilities

Signal Processing

Includes FFT edge boosting, contrast boosting, deconvolution, and noise reduction algorithms.

Data Protocol

Streamlined ASCII serial protocol for easy debugging and custom integrations.

Hardware

Built on Arduino Mega 2560 with 650nm laser diode and standard photodiodes.

Output

Export heatmaps, raw CSV data, or generate marching-cubes 3D meshes.

Software

3D Molecule Engine

A real-time atom and molecule simulation written in C++ and OpenGL. Visualize chemical structures with accurate physics and resonance.

Physics & Interaction

Bonds are modeled as springs applying real-time forces. Atoms interact via Verlet-like integration, allowing you to drag, pull, and bond atoms dynamically while the system maintains stability.

VSEPR Geometry

The engine automatically calculates lone-pair positions and ideal bond angles, visualizing polarity vectors in real-time. It also allows use of spring-force equalization for bond angles.

Resonance

Auto-generates resonance structures and calculates formal charges per atom using user-set variables.

Tech Stack

Built with C++17, OpenGL 3.3+, GLFW, and GLM. Features a custom particle engine without external physics dependencies.

View Source Code

Resources & Data

Access our build guides, source code, and datasets.

Hardware Documentation Wiring diagrams and assembly

→

Python Analysis Suite Source code for GUI

→

Firmware Arduino Mega 2560 Sketch

→

The Team

Hicswa Community Science is an unincorporated association dedicated to open education.

Kaleb Wilcox

Co-Founder

Koen Hicswa

Founder & Lead Developer

Andrea Arellano

Member

Isabella Caupp

Co-Founder

Governance: We operate transparently. Funds are managed solely to further our educational purpose. Assets upon dissolution are designated for nonprofit educational organizations. We are an unincorporated association.