MICROSCOP
E
Amicroscope is a laboratory instrument used
to examine objects that are too small to be seen by the
naked eye.
instrument that produces enlarged images of
small objects, allowing the observer an
exceedingly close view of minute structures at a
scale convenient for examination and analysis.
Compound Microscope Parts
A high power or compound microscope achieves
higher levels of magnification than a stereo or low
power microscope. It is used to view smaller
specimens such as cell structures which cannot be
seen at lower levels of magnification. Essentially,
a compound microscope consists of structural and
optical components.
Invented by a Dutch spectacle maker in the late
16th century, compound light microscopes use
two sets of lenses to magnify images for study
and observation.
• The first set of lenses are the oculars, or
eyepieces, that the viewer looks into; the second
set of lenses are the objectives, which are closest
to the specimen. These lenses, along with a light
source, allow scientists, technicians, and students
to get an up-close view of samples.
PARTS OF THE
MICROSCOPE
STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS
The three basic, structural components of a
compound microscope are the head, base and
arm.
Head/Body houses the optical parts in the upper
part of the microscope
Base of the microscope supports the microscope
and houses the illuminator
Arm connects to the base and supports the
microscope head. It is also used to carry the
microscope.
When carrying a compound microscope always
take care to lift it by both the arm and base,
simultaneously.
OPTICAL COMPONENTS
There are two optical systems in a compound microscope:
Eyepiece Lenses and Objective Lenses:
Eyepiece or Ocular is what you look through at the top of
the microscope. Typically, standard eyepieces have a
magnifying power of 10x. Optional eyepieces of varying
powers are available, typically from 5x-30x.
Eyepiece Tube holds the eyepieces in place above the
objective lens. Binocular microscope heads typically
incorporate a diopter adjustment ring that allows for the
possible inconsistencies of our eyesight in one or both eyes.
The monocular (single eye usage) microscope does not need
a diopter. Binocular microscopes also swivel (Interpupillary
Other Important Parts Adjustment) to allow for different distances between the
and Their Functions eyes of different individuals.
Objective Lenses are the primary optical lenses on a
microscope. They range from 4x-100x and typically, include,
three, four or five on lens on most microscopes. Objectives
can be forward or rear-facing.
Nosepiece houses the objectives. The objectives are
exposed and are mounted on a rotating turret so that
different objectives can be conveniently selected.
Standard objectives include 4x, 10x, 40x and 100x
although different power objectives are available.
Coarse and Fine Focus knobs are used to focus the
microscope. Increasingly, they are coaxial knobs - that
is to say they are built on the same axis with the fine
focus knob on the outside. Coaxial focus knobs are
more convenient since the viewer does not have to
grope for a different knob.
Stage is where the specimen to be viewed is placed. A
mechanical stage is used when working at higher
magnifications where delicate movements of the
specimen slide are required.
Stage Clips are used when there is no mechanical
stage. The viewer is required to move the slide
manually to view different sections of the specimen.
Aperture is the hole in the stage through which the base
(transmitted) light reaches the stage.
Illuminator is the light source for a microscope, typically
located in the base of the microscope. Most light
microscopes use low voltage, halogen bulbs with
continuous variable lighting control located within the
base.
Condenser is used to collect and focus the light from the
illuminator on to the specimen. It is located under the
stage often in conjunction with an iris diaphragm.
Iris Diaphragm controls the amount of light reaching
the specimen. It is located above the condenser and
below the stage. Most high quality microscopes include
an Abbe condenser with an iris diaphragm. Combined,
they control both the focus and quantity of light applied
to the specimen.
Condenser Focus Knob moves the condenser up or
down to control the lighting focus on the specimen.
https://
www.youtub
e.com/
watch?
v=PKDj1x3i
yP4
