Stereo microscopes have two objectives and eyepieces, providing a three-dimensional view. They offer an upright and laterally corrected image with a greater distance between the stage and objective. They vary in magnification, illumination, and price, with some having modular designs and video capabilities.
Stereo microscopes are also known as stereo microscopes, inspection microscopes and dissecting microscopes. They look similar to binocular compound microscopes, but have one essential difference. A binocular compound microscope has a matching objective and pair of eyepieces. A prism is used to split the light beam from the image formed by the lens to each eye. This is not the same as a stereo microscope, even though it has two eyepieces.
The key difference in structure between a binocular compound microscope and a stereo microscope is that a stereo microscope has not only two eyepieces but also two objectives. Because of this, the viewer using a stereo microscope sees the object from two slightly different angles, making the object appear in three dimensions. However, two different types of stereo microscopes, fixed and zoom, still offer variations in magnification and whether it can be changed. Stereo microscopes are often lower in power than compound microscopes. Whether they have a fixed or zoom magnification, they are usually less than 100 magnifications. There is, however, one type of stereo microscope that has a modular design, allowing the user to assemble the stand, illumination device, objectives, and eyepieces that fit the need.
There are also other important differences between stereo microscopes and compound microscopes. A stereomicroscope provides the viewer with an upright and laterally corrected image as opposed to the upside down and rearward image that a compound microscope provides. The stereo microscope also has a greater distance in most cases between the stage and the objective, so that the specimen can be worked on or sectioned while being viewed. Additionally, a flexible arm system creates a different kind of stereo microscope: one where the stage is the surface of your choice and much more workspace is available. With this system, the base of the stereomicroscope is absent and the upper part with the eyepieces and objectives is mounted on a flexible arm that can be lifted up to a height of 2.5 metres. Custom systems can also be designed with the stereo microscope head mounted on an arm stand.
Another difference between types of stereomicroscopes is the type of illumination they use, such as an LED ring light, fluorescent bulb, or fiber optics, whether they are equipped with a digital camera and/or video capability, and whether they include a video monitor . Various types of stereo microscopes are made for users from children to professionals. Prices range from less than $100 US dollars (USD) to at least $14,000 USD for a Leica M125 trinocular zoom stereomicroscope with an ergonomic tilted head, bright/darkfield fiber optic transmitted-light base, and a range of zoom from 8x to 100x.
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