MICROSCOPE TERMINOLOGY
A microscope is an instrument for viewing objects that are too small to be seen by the naked or unaided eye. The science of investigating small objects using such an instrument is called microscopy. The term microscopic means minute or very small.
2011 BARSKA Sport Optics Catalog
INTERPUPILIARY DISTANCE ADJUSTMENT
When using a binocular microscope with interpupiliary adjustment, there is an adjustment for the distance between the viewers’ eyes. A young child will have a small interpupiliary distance (IPD) while an adult will have a larger one. The eyepiece lenses will spread apart or get closer together to fit each individual.
TYPES OF MICROSCOPES
Compound
Constructed with two optical paths at the same angle. The compound microscope has two systems of lenses for greater magnification. The objective lens provides the primary magnification which is compounded (multiplied) by the ocular lens (eyepiece). Images produced by compound microscopes are two dimensional. This type of microscopeisusedtostudyverysmallspecimensand requires the specimens to be mounted on a slide.
Stereo
Designed with two separate optical paths with two objectives and two eyepieces to provide slightly different viewing angles to the left and right eyes. In this way it produces a
flowers, and dissection specimens and does not need to be mounted on a slide.
Compound
Light Path
Stereo
Light Path
MICROSCOPE HEAD
The head refers to the upper part of the microscope that contains the eyepiece tube and prisms.
Monocular
Contains one eyepiece
Binocular
Binocular has two eyepieces, one for each eye
Trinocular
The third vertical viewing port can be used with an eyepiece for a second person, such as an instructor. Or can be used with an adapter for video or still camera.
ILLUMINATION
Transmitted and Oblique Illumination
Oblique lighting or top lighting shines down and reflects off opaque or solid specimens. Transmitted lighting or bottom lighting shines up through transparent objects. Not all microscopes will have these types of illumination.
Mirror
Mirrored illumination is a simple and inexpensive lighting system that uses light from an external source (in direct sunlight, lamp etc) and reflects it upward to the condenser/specimen from a mirror located below the stage.
Digital Microscopes
BARSKA's digital microscopes are
Fluorescent
Fluorescent illumination provides a cool bright light. Ideal when viewing slides for long periods or studying live cellular specimens.
Halogen
Halogen illumination provides the very brightest illumination, but tends to give off heat.
DIAPHRAGM
POWER
Total Magnification
Total magnification is calculated by multiplying the magnification of the eyepiece by the magnification of the objective. 10x(eyepiece) x 4x(objective) = 40x Total Magnification
Zoom Magnification
Zoom models allow the user to zoom or change magnification continuously throughout the magnification range providing a low to high power range. For example, a
WIDEFIELD EYEPIECE (WF)
U.S. Quarter at 20x
U.S. Quarter at 40x
Generally a
WORKING DISTANCE
This is the distance between the specimen or cover slip and the objective lens. On compound microscopes that use slides, the stage is adjustable allowing the user to zoom in or out of an image. On stereo microscope the stage is fixed.
ADJUSTMENTS
Coarse Focus
This is the rough focus knob on the microscope. You use it to move the objective lenses toward or away from the specimen. Generally use the
An eyepiece with an achromatic doublet lens designed in such a way that it does not have to be limited to viewing only in its center, and the portion of the lens that allows
coarse focus first to get close then adjust the fine focus knob for fine tuning.
Fine Focus
This is the knob used to fine tune the focus on the specimen. It is also used to focus on various parts of the specimen.
WARRANTY
Microscope
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