The compound microscope, invented by Zacharias Janssen in 1590, uses convex lenses to magnify microorganisms, cells, and tissues. It consists of objective and ocular lenses, a rotating nosepiece, and an adjustable stage with a light source. The magnification is determined by multiplying the eyepiece and objective lens magnifications. The image is inverted by the objective […]
Darkfield microscopy uses a stop to block the center of the light beam, creating a bright sample against a dark background. It provides high contrast images but requires high-intensity light and may obscure some details. It can be a low-cost alternative and can be achieved by converting conventional microscopes or affixing a round disc. A […]
Microscopes magnify small objects for easier viewing. Monocular microscopes have one lens, while binocular and stereo microscopes have two. Trinocular microscopes have a third eyepiece for sharing views or attaching a camera. Simple microscopes have one lens and include magnifiers, while compound microscopes have two sets of lenses. A microscope is an instrument that produces […]
Microscope stages hold specimens for viewing and can range from basic fixed stages to adjustable and micromanipulator-equipped stages. The quality of the stage generally corresponds to the quality of the microscope and additional features like controlled environments can be important. Some stages can be easily replaced or removed for maintenance. A microscope stage is the […]
A travel microscope is used to measure small objects accurately and precisely. It has a lens head mounted on a slider that can be moved along a scale, and uses a vernier scale for extreme precision. It can be expensive and requires special care. Researchers can mount a camera to document the object and measurement […]
The microscope condenser focuses light for illumination, contrast, and clarity. Adjusting the condenser is critical for image quality. The Abbe condenser is common, but there are other types. Keeping the condenser clean is important. Knobs adjust the settings, and fine tuning is done with the eyepiece. A microscope condenser is a fundamental part of a […]
A binocular microscope uses two eyepieces and is popular due to its benefits and comparable cost to a single eyepiece microscope. It is commonly used in student, benchtop, and research microscopes. Stereo microscopes produce 3D images while compound microscopes focus on resolution. Prices range from $1,000 to $4,000 for student and benchtop microscopes, while research […]
Microscopes can be classified by purpose, construction, and viewing options. Trinocular microscopes can be optical, acoustic, or electron microscopes. They can serve multiple purposes, including allowing a second observer to access a specimen and enabling the use of technology to preserve or project images. A microscope produces a carefully magnified image to allow the examiner […]
The inventor of the first compound microscope is not agreed upon, with some believing it was Zacharias Janssen and others believing it was Hans Lippershey. The Janssens were likely familiar with lenses due to their occupation and may have developed the microscope while attempting to create more powerful eyeglasses. The earliest surviving compound microscope was […]
Microscope slides are used to view specimens through a compound microscope. They come in different sizes and styles, including plain, concave, and well slides. Wet mounts are used for live or liquid specimens, while permanent slides are for dead specimens. Crosslinked and mica slides also exist. Microscope slides are used to view samples through a […]
A light microscope uses visible light and lenses to view small objects, magnifying them up to 1000 times. It consists of an objective, ocular lens, stage, light source, condenser, tube, and focusing system. Most microscopes today are compound microscopes with multiple lenses. The concept of lenses was discovered by the Romans, and Anton Von Leeuwenhoek […]
When choosing microscope slides, consider whether you want prepared or blank slides. Choose slides based on grade level and field of study. Prepared slides can be chosen based on career interests. Making your own slides can be fun but requires time and tools. Glass slides are suitable for high school and college students, while plastic […]
Microscopes have two primary lenses: the ocular lens and the objective lens. The ocular lens is multiplied by the objective lens to determine total magnification. Different objective lenses have different functions, and the type of specimen being examined should be considered when choosing an eyepiece. Most modern ocular lenses are a combination of two or […]
Microscope services vary depending on the customer’s needs, with specialties in biological research, consumer product evaluation, forensic analysis, and more. Services include detection of microbes, analysis of product samples, identification of materials, and training in equipment use. Some services also sell equipment and accessories. Choosing the best microscope service depends on the specific needs of […]
Proper use of a compound microscope requires care of the instrument, knowledge of its parts, and adjustment of the light source. Starting with the lowest magnification objective and adjusting the coarse focus before the fine focus is also important. There are a few things people should keep in mind in order to properly view specimens […]
The compound light microscope is commonly used in laboratories to view specimens on glass slides, magnifying objects up to 2,000 times their actual size. It has an eyepiece, light source, and objective lenses that can magnify specimens four to 100 times. It is used in various areas of science and is an essential tool in […]
Microscope photography captures images of microscopic material, used in various scientific fields. Early methods involved customizing photographic equipment, while digital photography allows for greater flexibility. Micrographs are used in forensics, geology, medicine, and electron microscopes examine material at higher magnifications. Microscope photography is the science of creating and recording images of microscopic material. It is […]
A virtual microscope is a software suite that allows users to access real, archived images via the internet and explore them on their computer as if using a real microscope. It is a useful tool for research, teaching, and learning, but limited by the size of the image library. It can be a simple interface […]
Consider the samples you will see before buying a dissecting microscope. Choose a solidly built, two-light, and high-resolution microscope. A dual-lens stereo light microscope is better for viewing with both eyes. Look for a fine knob adjustment and fully coated glass optics. A microscope with a port to connect your camera equipment is great for […]
The Scanning Tunneling Microscope (STM) uses quantum tunneling to view surfaces, achieving higher resolutions than electron microscopes. It operates in various environments but requires a clean surface and sharp tip. Carbon nanotubes are being explored as tips. The STM is driven by a piezoelectric crystal and requires advanced vibration damping. A high school student created […]
